President William Ruto has waded into the ongoing dispute surrounding the estate of the late former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, vowing to ensure that properties allegedly taken from the family are restored.
Speaking in Naivasha on Sunday, March 29, the Head of State responded publicly for the first time after receiving a petition from the late governor’s family seeking his intervention in the matter.
Ruto assured that the concerns raised would be addressed, stating that properties believed to belong to widows and orphans must be returned. He emphasised the need for justice, warning against any actions that could disadvantage vulnerable beneficiaries.
The President specifically referenced claims over key properties, including a hotel in Nairobi and a house in Kilifi, which the family alleges were taken unlawfully. His remarks signalled a strong stance on the matter, even as the dispute continues to attract public attention.
The intervention follows a letter dated March 23, 2026, in which members of the late Nderitu Gachagua’s family appealed to the President to initiate investigations into alleged fraud, forgery, and irregular management of the estate.
In the letter, the family claimed that a close relative had orchestrated a scheme to disinherit rightful beneficiaries. They also raised concerns about the validity of the will used in the succession process, arguing that it may have been executed under questionable circumstances when the deceased was critically ill.
The family described their appeal as a plea for justice and protection, saying they had endured significant hardship since the death of their patriarch.
However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly rejected the allegations, maintaining that the succession process was conducted lawfully and transparently.
Gachagua stated that the will clearly outlined how the estate would be distributed among beneficiaries, including the deceased’s wives, children, and other dependents. He noted that all beneficiaries had appeared before a court in 2018 and agreed to the contents of the will, which was subsequently adopted and implemented.
According to him, the estate was distributed in line with the law, with assets sold, debts settled, and proceeds shared among beneficiaries as stipulated. He questioned the timing of the renewed dispute, suggesting that it may be driven by factors beyond the original succession process.
Gachagua also criticised the President’s involvement, arguing that succession matters are handled by the courts and should not be subjected to political intervention.
The dispute now continues to unfold, with both sides holding firm positions, raising broader questions about inheritance, legal processes, and the intersection of family disputes with national leadership.
