In a letter dated March 23, 2026, the immediate family approached President Ruto via the Attorney General’s office. They described the situation as “fraud, forgery, and unlawful interference” in the deceased’s estate.
At the heart of the dispute is a document labeled “Draft Last Will and Testament,” which the family argues lacks legal standing. They contend the late governor, diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer, did not have the capacity to execute a valid will at the time.
The petition also details claims that a close relative allegedly transferred properties and funds irregularly, obstructing rightful beneficiaries. Among the contested assets are:
- A garden resort in Nyeri
- A beach resort, reportedly mismanaged or diverted
The family stresses that these irregularities have caused prolonged distress and call for government oversight to restore fairness and dignity to the estate.
James Nderitu Gachagua was Nyeri County’s first governor. His brother, Rigathi Gachagua, served as Kenya’s Deputy President from 2022 until his impeachment in 2024. Previous public debates questioned whether properties like Olive Garden Hotel and Vipingo Beach Resort were misappropriated, though many claims were later debunked
The petition awaits review by the Office of the Attorney General and presidential consideration. If acted upon, the state could:
- Launch an independent investigation into the alleged forgery
- Recover improperly transferred estate assets
- Provide legal protection for the late governor’s heirs
The case highlights the complex intersection of family disputes, estate law, and political influence in Kenya.
