NAIROBI, Kenya — The battle over the multi-billion shilling estate of the late Nyeri Governor James Nderitu Gachagua has taken a dramatic turn. On Friday, March 27, 2026, the Governor’s widow and children officially petitioned President William Ruto, through the Office of the Attorney General, seeking an independent investigation into what they describe as a “fraudulent scheme” to disinherit them.
The family alleges that a “close relative”—whom the petition links to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—leveraged political influence to manipulate the succession process and divert prime assets.
1. The “Draft” Will Controversy
At the center of the family’s grievance is the validity of the document used to distribute the Governor’s wealth. According to the petition:
The Label: The document bears the inscription “Draft Last Will and Testament.” * The Argument: The family contends that a “draft” document cannot, by any stretch of the law or reason, constitute a final, legally binding will. They argue it was a working paper that was never intended to be the final word of the deceased.
2. “Medical Reality” vs. The Document
The family has raised harrowing questions about the circumstances under which the will was allegedly signed in February 2017.
At the time, Governor Gachagua was in a London hospital battling metastatic pancreatic cancer.
The petition states his condition had “catastrophically deteriorated” to the point where he was unable to see, write, or comprehend legal documents.
They claim the signature on the will is “diametrically inconsistent” with the Governor’s physical state during his final days, suggesting the document is a total forgery.
3. The Contested Assets
The family is calling for the return of several high-value properties they claim were irregularly transferred to proxies or sold without their consent. These include:
The Olive Gardens Hotel (Nairobi)
Vipingo Beach Resort (Kilifi)
Millions in cash meant for the children’s welfare and education.
4. Rigathi Gachagua’s Defense
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua, who has previously addressed these claims during his 2024 impeachment and in recent interviews, maintains that he acted as a faithful executor. He argues that the estate was liquidated to pay off the late Governor’s massive debts and that all 21 beneficiaries named in the document received their share. He has dismissed the latest petition as “political theatre” orchestrated by the current administration following his fallout with the President.
