The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has released details of his late brother Nderitu Gachagua’s will in a bid to address growing claims of irregularities in the handling and distribution of the estate.
In a notice published in local newspapers on Wednesday, Gachagua—named as one of the estate’s executors alongside lawyer Mwai Mathenge and Njoroge Regeru—said the move was prompted by ongoing concerns raised by a section of beneficiaries.
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He noted that the statement was intended to clarify matters conclusively, pointing out that only five of the 23 beneficiaries had raised issues based on media reports.
The executors said they were forced to provide a detailed account of the estate’s administration to counter what they described as a “public audit” being carried out without full access to records and information.
The disclosure follows reports that some family members had written to President William Ruto seeking intervention over alleged fraud, forgery and interference in managing the estate.
According to the executors, the will’s contents were already known to all beneficiaries.
Nderitu Gachagua died on February 24, 2017, at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, having signed his will on February 17, 2017, outlining how his wealth would be shared.
The document details how various properties and assets were distributed among family members and other beneficiaries.
A home in Nairobi’s Lang’ata/Karen area was left to his first wife, Margaret Nyokabi, to hold in trust for the family, while two properties in Karen and Nyeri were allocated to his second wife, Margaret Waithiegeni, who has since received their titles.
The ancestral home, sitting on four acres, was shared equally between his two eldest sons, Kenneth Gachagua and Jason Kariuki, who took possession in 2022.
Rigathi Gachagua was also allocated shares in Mweiga Homes.
The will further stipulates that 62 per cent of the net estate goes to the immediate family, 22 per cent to 14 other beneficiaries, 11 per cent covers liabilities and administrative costs, while the executors jointly receive five per cent.
The statement also addressed the sale of key properties, including Olive Gardens Hotel, Queensgate Estate and Vipingo Estate, which were sold above their reserve prices, raising about Sh1.25 billion in total.
The executors defended the transactions, saying they secured the best possible value and acted in line with their legal duty.
They maintained that all actions taken in managing the estate have been lawful, transparent and consistent with the deceased’s wishes, even as the disclosure is likely to heighten scrutiny from both the public and family members.
