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SWAHILI TODAY

Rigathi Gachagua

Rigathi Gachagua “Riggy G” is a prominent Kenyan politician, businessman, and former Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya. Emerging from the civil service as a provincial administrator and later a Member of Parliament for Mathira Constituency (2017–2022), he served as William Ruto’s running mate to win the 2022 general election. Known for his outspoken rhetoric, mobilization of the Mount Kenya electorate, and sharp political maneuvering, his political trajectory was altered by a high-profile fall-out with the executive branch, leading to his historic 2024 impeachment and subsequent pivot to leading opposition politics under the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

Quick facts about Rigathi Gachagua

  1. Born in Mathira, Nyeri County, his full name is Rigathi Gachagua, a Kikuyu name rooted in central Kenyan lineage; he famously embraced the pop-culture moniker "Riggy G," coined on social media by a Kenyan student during the 2022 general elections.
  2. On October 17, 2024, he became the first Deputy President in Kenyan history to be impeached and removed from office under the 2010 Constitution, after the National Assembly (326–28 vote) and Senate overwhelmingly upheld charges including gross violation of the constitution, tribal division, and insubordination.
  3. Prior to his removal, Kenya's Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and parliamentary proceedings targeted him over alleged acquisition of property worth over KSh 5.2 billion ($40+ million USD) during his two-year tenure, alleging systemic conflict of interest through family-controlled proxies.
  4. Before entering elective politics, he served as a District Officer (DO) in the 1990s during President Daniel arap Moi's administration and later worked as Personal Assistant (2001–2006) to Uhuru Kenyatta, building a vast administrative network in Mount Kenya.
  5. Following his impeachment, he launched the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), positioning himself as a primary opposition leader targeting the 2027 presidency to challenge his former principal, President William Ruto.

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