Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is mourning the death of his elder sister, Eunice Nyangari Gachagua, who passed away aged 77 in Naro Moru.
Eunice died on Thursday, November 5, with Gachagua announcing the family’s loss in a statement released on Friday, November 6. He did not disclose the circumstances surrounding her death. In the statement, the former Deputy President said the family was heartbroken following the loss of their firstborn sister, who played an important role in their lives.
“The family of the late Mzee Nahashon Gachagua Reriani and the late Martha Kirigo Gachagua is mourning following the passing on of our firstborn sister, Eunice Nyangari Gachagua, in Naro Moru yesterday,” he stated.
Gachagua described Eunice as a pillar of the family, saying she assumed a motherly role after their mother died seven years ago. He noted that she had offered guidance, care and support to her siblings in the years following their mother’s passing, making her death particularly difficult for the family.
The former Deputy President said her absence would leave a huge void among her siblings and other relatives who depended on her wisdom and presence. He also sent his condolences to her daughter, Waithera, son, Murimi, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the wider Reriani family.
Despite the grief, Gachagua said the family remained grateful for the 77 years Eunice spent with them, remembering her as a warm and cheerful person who brought happiness to those around her.
“We will deeply miss her wise counsel, warmth and the precious moments we shared. Eunice was a happy and warm soul who lit up our hearts. We pray that her soul may rest in peace and that perpetual light may shine upon her forever,” he said.
The latest loss comes after Gachagua experienced several bereavements involving close family members over the years. In June 2024, he lost another elder sister, Leah Wangari Muriuki. He had earlier mourned his brother Nderitu Gachagua, who served as the first Nyeri governor and died in February 2017.
His other brothers, Jack Reriani and James Reriani Gachagua, also passed away in September 2022 and May 2022, respectively. James died following a prolonged illness.