Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly defended his decision to appear publicly with his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, dismissing recent criticism as unwarranted and intrusive.
While speaking at a church service in Kirinyaga on Sunday, Gachagua took aim at Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who had questioned why he frequently attends events with his wife. Gachagua made it clear that their relationship is a private matter and should not be politicized.
“I am the one who married this wife of mine 35 years ago. What is the problem if I walk with her?” he posed.
He reminded critics that during his time as Deputy President, they tried to control how he managed his family life, and now, after his political ouster, they should stay out of his personal affairs.
“You used to plan for me how I would walk with my wife when I was the Deputy President. Now that you impeached me, what is the problem with me walking with her now? You keep off my personal matters.,” he said.
Highlighting Pastor Dorcas’ role as a spiritual leader, Gachagua emphasized that there’s nothing inappropriate about attending church functions together. “Why should you feel bad when I walk with her, even when I am coming to church, yet she is even a pastor?” he added.
Gachagua Reaffirms Family Values
Reaffirming his values, Gachagua said his strong commitment to family remains his foundation. “I have a strong respect for family values, and that is my pillar,” he stated, adding that how he chooses to conduct his private life is no one else’s business.
“Keep off my life. If I want to walk with Pastor Dorcas, I will do that. If I want to walk alone, I will also do that.”
He pushed back against those criticizing his choices, arguing that political expectations should never dictate how someone manages personal relationships.
“You walk the way you want. If you have four wives, decide how you will do it. Let every family relate the way they want,” he said.
Suggesting that some of the criticism may stem from ill will, Gachagua claimed certain individuals may even harbor harmful intentions, supposedly referencing his past claims of attempted poisoning by his political enemies.
“This wife of mine carries water and food for me. You know that my wife will not betray me,” he said.
