The Rise And Fall Of DP Rigathi Gachagua: One-term MP, Deputy President, Then Civilian.

Rigathi Gachagua Faces Risk of Being One of Kenya’s Shortest-Serving Deputy Presidents

Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s Deputy President, faces the possibility of a short political career in his current position after being impeached by the Senate. Gachagua, who rose to prominence quickly, is now at risk of losing the second-highest office in the country.

Gachagua’s Political Rise

First Political Positions: Gachagua’s political journey has been impressive. He won his first election as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mathira and later ascended to Deputy President in his first attempt.
Sworn into Office: In 2022, Gachagua was sworn in as Deputy President in a grand ceremony at Kasarani Stadium, symbolizing his rapid rise in politics from businessman to one-term MP and now to Deputy President.
Challenges Before Power: Just a year before assuming the role of Deputy President, Gachagua was embroiled in legal issues. In 2021, he was arrested after his home was raided by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) due to allegations of corruption and money laundering.

Relationship with Uhuru Kenyatta

Once Close Allies: Gachagua’s political career is closely tied to former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Between 2000 and 2006, he served as Uhuru’s personal assistant and managed his diary.
Political Rift: However, their relationship soured when Uhuru backed Raila Odinga for the presidency, while Gachagua supported William Ruto, who ultimately won the presidency.

Gachagua’s Personal and Educational Background

Family Heritage: Gachagua was born in 1965 as the fifth child in a family of Mau Mau freedom fighters, a fact he frequently mentions with pride, calling himself “Mtoto ya Mau Mau” (Child of Mau Mau).
Education:
Primary: Kabiruini Primary School
Secondary: Kianyaga High School
University: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Literature from the University of Nairobi
Other Training: Gachagua also received paramilitary training and took an advanced administration course at the Kenya School of Government.

Public Service Career

Provincial Administration: Gachagua started his career in the public service in 1990 as a District Officer (DO) cadet. He was promoted and served in various districts, including Kirinyaga, Kakamega, and Laikipia.
Assistant to Key Government Figures: From 1991, Gachagua worked as a personal assistant to several key figures, including the Secretary to the Cabinet and the Head of Public Service.
Private Sector Experience: He briefly left public service in 1999 to enter private business before returning in 2001 to assist Uhuru Kenyatta during his tenure as Minister for Local Government.

Mt. Kenya Kingpin Aspirations

Advocating for Mt. Kenya: Since becoming Deputy President, Gachagua has worked to establish himself as the leader of the Mt. Kenya region. He has focused on promoting the region’s interests and is known for his “shareholder” narrative, which emphasizes the political importance of Mt. Kenya within the country.
Political Challenges: His outspoken advocacy has, however, landed him in political trouble, contributing to his current struggles.

Conclusion

Rigathi Gachagua’s political journey has been marked by rapid ascension, personal challenges, and a strong desire to represent the Mt. Kenya region. However, with his impeachment by the Senate, his future as Kenya’s Deputy President is uncertain.

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