Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been dragged into a vicious legal showdown over the ownership of a luxury Nairobi apartment, in a dispute that threatens to spill his private life into the political arena.
Leaked legal documents show Gachagua’s lawyers are battling Ms. Julia Muthoni Mwangi, alleged to be his longtime girlfriend, over Unit 02, Block D at Skyrock Apartments.
The plush residence, valued at Sh25 million, has become the centre of a storm, with both camps trading accusations of fraud, breach of contract, and illegal occupation.
Her lawyers argue that she paid the full amount and is entitled to vacant possession, accusing the vendor of failing to provide completion documents.
On the other hand, lawyers linked to Gachagua have demanded arbitration, cited breaches of the sale agreement and claimed Ms. Mwangi is in “illegal occupation” of the property.
They have written to propose appointment of arbitrators under the Arbitration Act to settle the dispute.
“Our client is bewildered by your unfounded and uncompounded allegations of illegal occupation, You are well aware that our client's lawful ownership and possession is lawful pursuant to a sale agreement dated 7th September, 2023,” read the court documents by the ladies lawyers.The clash has spilled into political circles, with allies of the former DP privately expressing concern that the saga could further dent his already strained public image.
The matter comes barely a year after Gachagua’s exit from office and at a time when his political camp is facing internal fractures.
Ms. Mwangi’s legal team has vowed to resist any eviction attempt, warning that threats against her “amount to infringement of her rights.”
With both sides digging in, the battle for the luxury apartment appears headed for a protracted arbitration fight — one that risks dragging Gachagua deeper into controversy.