BOSTON, United States — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sparked laughter at a church service in the United States after joking that he would be “finished” if his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, ever left him.
Gachagua made the remarks during a church service in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he spoke about family, parenting and the importance of preparing children to take responsibility.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said that after he was elected Deputy President, he chose to focus on serving Kenyans and handed over the management of his businesses to his children.
“When I was elected Deputy President, I decided to serve the people of Kenya and handed over running of all my businesses to my children,” Gachagua said.
He then joked about his wife’s role in his life.
“I was only left with their mother. If their mother decides to leave me, I will be finished.”
The remark drew laughter from the congregation before Gachagua continued with his message on raising and mentoring children.
Gachagua Urges Parents To Mentor Children
Gachagua said his children had taken on responsibilities in his businesses and were doing well despite facing challenges.
He said they sometimes turn to him for advice when confronted with difficult decisions.
“And the boys are doing well. They encounter a few challenges here and there, they come for advice and I give them,” he said.
He used his experience with Nyandarua Senator John Methu to illustrate the importance of giving young people responsibility rather than doing everything for them.
Gachagua recalled assigning Methu responsibility for coordinating the DCP campaign for the party’s candidate in Ol Kalou Constituency.
“You saw what I did with that young man called John Methu, the Nyandarua Senator. I took him to Ol Kalou constituency and asked him to be in charge of DCP campaign for our candidate,” he said.
According to Gachagua, Methu initially asked him to help because the assignment appeared overwhelming.
“He said, ‘Boss, this is too big, come and help me,’ but I declined and told him he was of age, proceed,” Gachagua said.
He said Methu eventually handled the assignment successfully.
“He is now doing very well,” he added.
Parents Urged To Involve Children In Investments
Gachagua urged parents to deliberately involve their children in family decisions, investments and development projects.
He said exposing children to financial and investment decisions early would help them understand the value of assets and prepare them to take responsibility in future.
“I want you to mentor your children, allow them to be part and parcel of your development, investment,” he told the congregation.
Gachagua further encouraged parents to consult their children, even when they are young, when making major family investments.
“Keep them informed. If you want to buy a farm, even if they are young, just pretend to consult them so that they feel good and start appreciating what a farm is all about,” he said.
The remarks came as Gachagua continued his extended engagement with Kenyans living in the United States. His Boston visit is part of a wider US tour that has included diaspora meetings and discussions on Kenya’s development and political future.
