Nairobi, Kenya — Nearly two years after his historic impeachment from the Office of the Deputy President in October 2024, Rigathi Gachagua has completed a dramatic political reinvention. Once the second-in-command in President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, Gachagua now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), from where he has emerged as one of the government’s most relentless and outspoken critics.
His impeachment, making him the first Deputy President in Kenya’s history to be removed through that process—would have ended the careers of lesser politicians. Instead, Gachagua has weaponized his ouster into a rallying cry, positioning himself as a victim of political betrayal and a defender of the marginalized.
From Civil Servant to Deputy President to Opposition Leader
Gachagua’s journey through Kenya’s public life spans decades. A graduate of the University of Nairobi (Class of 1988) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Literature, he cut his teeth in student politics as the leader of the Nyeri District University Students Association. He also holds an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration.
His civil service career began as a District Officer, rising through the ranks to serve as Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Heritage, and later as a personal assistant to then-Cabinet Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and subsequently to the Head of the Public Service. Before his elevation to the Deputy Presidency in 2022, he represented Mathira Constituency in the National Assembly from 2017 to 2022.
Following his impeachment, Kithure Kindiki was appointed to replace him. But Gachagua refused to fade into political obscurity.
The Raila Odinga Death Controversy
Gachagua’s latest firestorm involves the death of opposition leader Raila Odinga. In recent days, he has publicly demanded answers regarding the circumstances of Raila’s death a move that has drawn sharp rebuke from across the political spectrum.
Junet Mohammed, the Suna East MP and longtime Raila ally, slammed Gachagua for his comments, noting that the former Deputy President had not publicly mourned Raila or visited his family after his passing. Junet accused Gachagua of exploiting tragedy for political mileage.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also weighed in, telling Gachagua to “bring credible evidence, not claims.” The law enforcement agency’s blunt message signals growing official impatience with Gachagua’s rhetoric, raising the stakes in his confrontation with the state.
Allies Hit Back
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has openly challenged Gachagua to list his record as Deputy President rather than engage in what Ichung’wah characterizes as divisive and baseless attacks. The exchange underscores the bitterness that still defines the relationship between Gachagua and his former Kenya Kwanza allies.
Personal Life
Away from the political theater, Gachagua is married to Pastor Dorcas Rigathi. The couple has two sons.