Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua, popularly called Riggy G, is a prominent Kenyan politician and businessman who was the 2nd Deputy President of Kenya from 13th September 2022 to 17th October 2024 when he got impeached by the county assembly. He has been a controversial and significant figure as a self-described "truthful man.
Early life and education are not a focus of this grade level.
Place of Birth: Hiriga village, Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County on February 28, 1965.
Heritage was born the eighth child of the Mau Mau freedom fighters, Nahashon Gachagua Reriani and Martha Kirigo. His older brother Nderitu Gachagua was the first Governor of Nyeri County, who passed away.
Primary School: Was a student of Kabiruini Primary School from 1971 to 1977.
High School: studied at Kianyaga High School for his O-level and A-level (1978-1983).
University: BA Political Science and Literature from the University of Nairobi (1985 – 1988).
Civil Service and Early Career
Administrative & Paramilitary Training: Successfully finished administration police and paramilitary training in 1990 at the Administration Police Institute.
District Officer (D.O.): served as a District Officer Cadet and progressed to become a D.O. in several districts such as Kakamega, Ng'arua Division (in Wajir), Kirinyaga and Wajir.
Kenyatta's Personal Assistant: Worked closely behind the scenes as the Personal Assistant to Uhuru Kenyatta between 2001 and 2006 when Kenyatta was the Minister for Local Government.
Business Venture: Mid-2000s - became private businessman, director of Ridor Group of Companies.
The political ascent and Deputy Presidency.
MP: Joined elective politics in 2017 and was elected as the Mathira MP on the Jubilee Party ticket.
Ruto's Running Mate: Chosen by William Ruto as his running mate for the 2022 general elections in August under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
After winning the victory he ascended to the position of the Deputy President on 13th September 2022. His job as Deputy President was given a heavy emphasis on the fight against brew traders, agricultural reforms for the tea, coffee and milk growers and being the self-appointed political kingpin in the Mt Kenya region.
Impeachment and Recent Developments
Ouster: On October 17, 2024, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to remove him from office on several charges, such as gross violation of constitution and inciting ethnic division, from the National Assembly's impeachment motion. Daily Nation +1
Post-Impeachment: He has challenged the removal in court, but it has been upheld. Gachagua is still a key player in political realignments, with the launch of the DCP Kenya party on May 15, 2025, with him as the party leader.
Personal Life
He is married to the corporate leader and minister, Pastor Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi, who has been active in the boy child and vulnerable groups causes. They have two sons, Kevin and Keith.