Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s career, both in public service and politics, has been anything but conventional.
A figure as polarizing as he is intriguing, Gachagua’s trajectory has been defined by sharp ascents and abrupt interruptions—patterns that mirror both his character and the turbulent political landscape he navigates.
Gachagua’s impeachment on October 17, 2024, cemented his place in Kenyan history as the first deputy president to be removed under the 2010 Constitution.
This unprecedented move capped a tenure riddled with controversy, clashes with Parliament, and a persistent battle to assert control over Mount Kenya politics.
Yet, his decision to face the impeachment process, rather than resign, reflects a personality forged in the fire of confrontation.
Those who know Gachagua best describe him as confrontational, aggressive, and unapologetically outspoken.
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, a former classmate at the University of Nairobi (UoN), paints a vivid picture of the man behind the political brand.
According to Lusaka, Gachagua’s leadership style has always been assertive, if not abrasive, even during their days as students.
“Rigathi was the ‘Mr. Fix It,’ always taking on challenges no one else would,” Lusaka recalls. “He had a knack for building connections with state operatives and student leaders alike, which often made him the go-to person for resolving conflicts.”
Gachagua’s climb up the ranks—from his days as the chairperson of the Nyeri Students Association at UoN to District Officer and eventually Deputy President—has been fueled by what former student leader Wafula Buke calls “dangerous cleverness.” This trait, Buke argues, has been both Gachagua’s greatest asset and his Achilles’ heel.
Lusaka notes that Gachagua has rarely completed a term in public office. From his time as a District Officer to his stint as Deputy President, his tenure has often been cut short by political upheavals or personal controversies.
While serving as Mathira MP, he built a reputation as a staunch defender of his constituents, but his rise to the deputy presidency exposed him to broader, more intense scrutiny.
“Rigathi’s style has always been to dominate conversations, even if it ruffles feathers,” Lusaka observes. “This approach has won him battles but also created powerful enemies.”
What truly sets Gachagua apart, however, is his ability to verbalize his thoughts without a filter—sometimes to his detriment. Lusaka recalls a moment during their paramilitary training when Gachagua’s quick wit shone through.
After excelling in a shooting competition, Gachagua quipped, “Ken, you’re the best with the arms of constables, but I’ve mastered the officers’ arms. That makes me the boss.”
Such remarks, while humorous, encapsulate Gachagua’s blend of confidence and abrasiveness.
His public declarations often reveal unvarnished truths, a trait that aligns with his confrontational style but occasionally alienates allies and fuels public backlash.
Gachagua’s impeachment marks a significant chapter in his unpredictable career. While critics view it as the culmination of years of controversy, his supporters see it as another hurdle in a life defined by resilience.
As his former lecturer Afrifa Gitonga once advised, “Some truth is so ugly that you don’t have to talk about it.” For Gachagua, however, truth—ugly or not—is a weapon he wields unapologetically.
Whether this marks the end of Gachagua’s political journey or a prelude to another comeback, one thing is certain: his story will continue to spark debate, inspire analysis, and divide opinion across the country.
