Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi has pledged to accompany the family of the late Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua to State House. This move aims to resolve a simmering inheritance dispute involving the late governor’s brother, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a video address on Monday, March 30, 2026, Wamumbi explained that the family approached him for help, alleging that they have been unfairly blocked from accessing assets belonging to the former governor. The lawmaker confirmed he intends to lead the family members to the house on the hill later this week to seek an audience regarding the matter.
Wamumbi also pushed back against accusations that he has meddled in the former Deputy President’s personal life. He maintained that he had no contact with the family until they sought his intervention.
“Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, I have not interfered with your family affairs. I have not met your family members. I have not met the family of the late Nderitu Gachagua. I had not met them, and I have not met them. And so, you lied,” he said.
Wamumbi clarified that the family only reached out for his assistance after his name surfaced in public allegations. He noted that once the family initiated contact, he felt a responsibility to act on their behalf.
“But after you mentioned me, I now want to state categorically that the family of your late brother reached out to me. I have since spoken with them, and they have asked me to facilitate a meeting at State House,” Wamumbi added.
The lawmaker expressed that the concerns raised by the family deserve attention at the highest level of government. He believes the dispute has reached a point where only the intervention of President William Ruto can provide a resolution.
“I have listened to the concerns raised by the family, and it is only fair that they are allowed to present their case at the highest level,” he said.
Wamumbi confirmed that he consulted President Ruto, who approved the request for a meeting. The president reportedly agreed that as Kenyan citizens, the family members hold a right to a fair hearing. The MP pointed out that because the family resides in his Mathira constituency, he carries a duty to represent their interests and provide support when they appeal for help.
Throughout his statement, Wamumbi maintained that he acts strictly as a facilitator to ensure an amicable dialogue. He clarified that he holds no personal stake in the estate dispute but will assist with specific hurdles regarding land and burial issues tied to the case. To address any suspicion, he assured the public that the meeting will take place openly during the day, dismissing any rumors of secretive nighttime discussions.
“They have shared documents with me which point to the challenges they have faced. While I will not disclose the contents, it is clear that the family has gone through a very painful period,” he said.
This development follows a firm pledge from President William Ruto to stand with the late Nderitu Gachagua’s family, who allege they were victims of a disinheritance scheme. The president has committed his administration to ensuring the return of contested assets to the late governor’s rightful heirs.
“You can carry on with the insults, but what belongs to orphans and widows must be returned. There is no getting away with that. That hotel in Nairobi, the property in Kilifi, and other things taken from the bereaved family must be returned,” said Ruto in reference to his former Deputy Gachagua.
The Head of state alleges that Gachagua illegally seized the family’s estate following his brother’s passing. Ruto framed the issue as a moral obligation, stating that while he can tolerate political attacks, he will not allow the mistreatment of vulnerable family members.
“I can take the insults as a man, but the widows and orphans cannot, and we will therefore defend them, even before God. Nobody will ill-treat them,” he added.
The family of the late Nderitu Gachagua initiated this high-level intervention by writing to President Ruto to seek justice.
Margaret Nyokabi Nderitu and her four children claim they have suffered years of hardship due to a “doctored” Will. They accuse a brother of the deceased of exploiting that document, alongside political influence, to defraud them of their inheritance and misappropriate funds intended for their support.
