Kenya’s former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, has spoken of his grief following the death of his aunt, describing her as his “mentor, mother and counsellor”.
In a personal statement, Mr Gachagua said he was called at 03:00 local time on Wednesday and told his aunt, Gladys Gathoni Kahua, had fallen seriously ill.
He directed that she be taken to Jamii Hospital in Karatina Town, about 100km (62 miles) north of Nairobi, and planned to visit her later that day.
But after being caught in heavy traffic near Ruiru, he arrived at the hospital at 16:10 – only to learn she had died five minutes earlier.
‘I feel hollow and abandoned’
Mr Gachagua, who served as deputy president under William Ruto until September 2024, said the loss had left him devastated.
“She was my only surviving aunt on my mother’s side. Since my mother died in 2019, she has been my mother, my mentor, my cheerleader and a prayer warrior,” he wrote.
The 58-year-old politician described how his aunt would share stories of her time in the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule, as well as folktales and songs from the era.
As children, he and his siblings called her “tata wa matunda” – meaning “aunt of fruits” in the Gikuyu language – because of the yellow passion fruits she grew on her farm.
In recent years, he said he would often visit her home in Inono village during morning walks, where she would serve him porridge and boiled maize.
“She called me the apple of her eye and her favourite son,” Mr Gachagua said. “I have no one to turn to in this grief and pain. I feel hollow, down and abandoned.”
‘Son of a daughter’
Mr Gachagua said his aunt had encouraged him to reconnect with his Meru heritage, often referring to him as “Kiana Kia Mwari” – meaning “son of a daughter” in the Meru language.
He pledged to give her “a befitting and dignified send-off”, describing her as a “heroine” who played a significant role in his leadership and personal life.
“May the Almighty God rest your soul in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon you forever,” he added.
Public reaction
News of the death has prompted an outpouring of sympathy on social media, with many Kenyans sharing messages of support for the former deputy president.
The hashtag #RigathiGachagua has been trending on X, formerly known as Twitter, with some users praising his openness about grief.
Mr Gachagua remains an influential figure in Kenyan politics, having served as deputy president during Mr Ruto’s first term in office.
His emotional tribute offers a rare insight into the personal life of one of the country’s most prominent politicians.
Photos of DP Rigathi Gachagua and His Aunt.
