NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly disclosed details of his late brother Nderitu Gachagua’s will, in a move aimed at addressing allegations of irregularities in the administration and distribution of the estate.
In a notice published in local dailies, Gachagua, listed as one of the executors alongside lawyer Mwai Mathenge and Njoroge Regeru, said the disclosure was prompted by concerns raised by a section of beneficiaries.
“The statement aims to set the record straight with clarity and finality. From media reports, it appears that concerns have been raised by five out of the 23 beneficiaries,” the notice read.
The executors said they were compelled to release a comprehensive account of the estate’s administration to counter what they described as a “public audit” conducted without access to full records.
“The Executors note that they have, in effect, been compelled to produce this accurate account of the Estate to ameliorate the prejudicial effect of a ‘public audit’ that is being conducted on the affairs of the Estate without the benefit of the full records, information and accounts,” the statement added.
The publication follows reports that some members of the Gachagua family had written to President William Ruto seeking intervention and calling for investigations into alleged fraud, forgery, and unlawful interference in the handling of the estate.
According to the executors, the contents of the will had long been known to all 23 beneficiaries. Nderitu Gachagua died on February 24, 2017, at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, having executed a will dated February 17, 2017, outlining the distribution of his wealth.
The will, allocated a house in the Lang’ata/Karen area to his first wife, Margaret Nyokabi, to hold in trust for the family.
Two additional properties in Karen and Nyeri were bequeathed to his second wife, Margaret Waithiegeni, who was already residing in the homes.
Executors confirmed the titles have since been transferred in line with the will.
The ancestral home, comprising four acres and a residential house, was allocated to the deceased’s two eldest sons, Kenneth Gachagua and Jason Kariuki, in equal shares.
The pair reportedly took possession of the property in 2022.
Shares in Mweiga Homes were also bequeathed to Rigathi Gachagua, according to the will.
The document further outlined that 62pc of the net estate after settlement of liabilities would go to the immediate family, while 22pc was designated for 14 other beneficiaries, including siblings and step-siblings.
Administrative costs and liabilities accounted for 11pc, while the three executors were collectively allocated 5pc.
The statement also detailed the sale of several high-value properties, which the executors said were disposed of above reserve prices.
Olive Gardens Hotel was sold for Sh412 million against a reserve price of Sh325 million, Queensgate Estate fetched Sh590 million compared to Sh470 million, and Vipingo Estate sold for Sh250 million above a reserve price of Sh170 million.
In total, the three transactions realised approximately Sh1.25 billion, with the executors stating the sales represented the best available offers at the time and were undertaken to maximise value for beneficiaries.
