President William Ruto has, for the first time, publicly addressed a dispute involving the estate of the late Nderitu Gachagua, following an appeal by the deceased’s family seeking his intervention. The family had written to the Head of State requesting investigations into alleged irregularities surrounding the management and ownership of the late governor’s properties.
Speaking in Naivasha on Sunday, March 29, President Ruto vowed to act on the concerns raised in the letter.
The Head of State assured the family that steps would be taken to restore properties they claim were fraudulently taken from rightful beneficiaries, allegations they have directed at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“You can insult me as much as you want, but I want to tell you that you must return properties belonging to widows and orphans,” Ruto stated.
“You must return the hotel in Nairobi and the house in Kilifi to those who rightfully own them. The Bible says the cry of orphans and widows reaches the Lord,” he added.
This marks the first time the President has publicly commented on the matter since the family formally petitioned him on March 23. In their letter, they urged him to initiate investigations into what they described as fraud, forgery, and unlawful interference in the administration of the estate.
The family further alleged that a close relative had orchestrated a scheme to disinherit legitimate heirs.
“We, the immediate family of the late Hon. James Nderitu Gachagua, humbly present this appeal before Your Excellency, seeking justice, protection, and the restoration of dignity to a family that has endured immense suffering,” part of the letter read.
They also raised concerns over the authenticity of a will reportedly relied upon in the succession process, claiming it may have been forged to sideline lawful beneficiaries. According to the family, the document was executed at a time when the late governor was critically ill with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
And also speaking on the same issue, same event, Governor Susan Kihika asked the president to oversea justice for those who could have counted losses in the succession matter surrounding Nderitu Gachagua.
In response, Rigathi Gachagua dismissed the accusations and accused President Ruto of interfering in a private family matter. He maintained that the succession process was conducted lawfully and in accordance with his late brother’s wishes.
“The succession law is clear: once a will has been read to beneficiaries, the matter proceeds to court. We went to court, and in 2018, all of us confirmed before the judge that we had agreed to the contents of the will,” he stated.
Hapa Susan Kihika amesema ukweli kabisa.
Riggy G sunk low by mistreating his brother's wives and children.
Orphans and widows deserve love and care, not mistreatment.
Therefore, Rigathi must return all the properties; he disinherited his brother's wives and children. pic.twitter.com/jco5ivl2ZZ
— Bianca™ (@BiancaNaom1) March 29, 2026