Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua (born 28 February 1965) is a Kenyan politician who rose to national prominence as the 2nd Deputy President of Kenya, serving from 13 September 2022 until his impeachment in October 2024. At 60 years old, Gachagua’s extensive career includes roles as an Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, personal assistant to then‑Minister for Local Government Uhuru Kenyatta, and District Officer, before being elected **Member of Parliament for Math
Early Life and Education (1965–1988)
Early Life and Education (1965–1988)
Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua was born on 28 February 1965 in Hiriga village, Nyeri County, into a family deeply rooted in Kenya’s liberation history. His parents, Gachagua Reriani and Martha Kirigo, were Mau Mau freedom fighters in the Mount Kenya forest. He is the younger brother of Nderitu Gachagua, Kenya’s first governor of Nyeri County.
Gachagua’s early education began at Kabiruini Primary School (1971–1977), followed by Kianyaga High School, where he completed his secondary studies by 1983. By age 23, he had laid the foundation for a career in public service, transitioning into administrative roles, including a stint as an Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Heritage.
His dedication to community service and political engagement became evident during this period. His career trajectory, marked by roles in local governance and party leadership, began taking shape even before his formal entry into elective office in 2017.
Career and Political Journey
Rigathi Gachagua’s career spans three decades of public service, beginning as a District Officer before rising to Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs. He later became Personal Assistant to Head of Public Service and to Uhuru Kenyatta when Kenyatta was Local Government Minister, experiences that forged the political networks that would anchor his biography. Entering elective politics in 2017, he won the Mathira parliamentary seat on the Jubilee Party ticket, serving until 2022 when William Ruto selected him as running mate; together they triumphed in the 9 August 2022 election and Gachagua, then age 57, was sworn in as Kenya’s second Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution on 13 September 2022.
His salary and perks as Deputy President placed him among Kenya’s highest-paid officials, adding to a net worth largely built from agribusiness and real estate; media estimates of his net worth vary, but his declared annual income while in office consistently topped the parliamentary wealth list. Married to Pastor Dorcas Wanjiku, a visible partner in his campaigns, Gachagua stands over six feet in height and maintains a sturdy weight that matches his “man-of-the-people” persona. After surviving early impeachment pushes, he was finally removed by Senate vote on 17 October 2024, becoming the first Deputy President to be impeached; undeterred, he launched DCP Kenya on 15 May 2025, positioning himself as party leader ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua |
| Date of Birth | 28 February 1965 |
| Occupation | Kenyan politician |
| Notable Works/Achievements | Served as the 2nd deputy president of Kenya (from 13 September 2022 until his impeachment in October 2024), Member of Parliament for Mathira (2017-2022), and Party leader of DCP Kenya (launched on May 15, 2025) |
Personal Life and Family
Personal Life and Family
Rigathi Gachagua, born on 28 February 1965, has managed to balance his demanding career in politics with a fulfilling personal life. Married to Dorcas Rigathi, a retired banker turned pastor in Mathira, the couple met at a joint university event at the University of Nairobi in 1985. Their relationship blossomed, and they decided to tie the knot in 1989.
The couple has been blessed with two sons, Kevin and Keith. As a devoted family man, Rigathi has often credited his wife and family for their unwavering support throughout his career. Despite his high-profile position as the 2nd deputy president of Kenya, Rigathi has maintained a humble and grounded demeanor, which can be attributed to his strong family values.
At 59 years old, Rigathi Gachagua has built a remarkable career in politics, with a net worth that reflects his success. However, details about his exact salary and net worth remain undisclosed. What is known, however, is that he stands tall with a height and weight that are not publicly disclosed. As a seasoned politician with a long and distinguished career, Rigathi continues to make a positive impact in Kenya, guided by the love and support of his family.
Net Worth and Salary
Rigathi Gachagua was born on 28 February 1965, making him 58 years old as of 2023. His early career began in public service, where he held positions such as Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Heritage and personal assistant to the Head of the Public Service. These roles laid the groundwork for his later political ascent, showcasing his administrative acumen and deep familiarity with Kenya’s bureaucratic machinery.
Gachagua’s political trajectory accelerated when he was elected Member of Parliament for Mathira in 2017 under the Jubilee Party banner. In September 2022, he was appointed the second Deputy President of Kenya, a position created by the 2010 Constitution, and served until his impeachment in October 2024. After leaving the deputy presidency, he founded DCP Kenya on 15 May 2025, positioning himself as a key player in the country’s evolving party landscape.
While specific figures for his net worth and salary remain undisclosed by public sources, it is clear that his earnings are tied to his high-ranking governmental roles and party leadership. Personal details such as his marital status, height, and weight have not been publicly released, reflecting a preference for privacy in his biography.
Relationships and Controversies
Rigathi Gachagua, born on 28 February 1965, is a prominent Kenyan politician who has served in various roles, including as the 2nd deputy president of Kenya. His career has been marked by controversies, including his impeachment in October 2024. Despite these challenges, he continues to be involved in politics, serving as the Party leader of DCP Kenya, which he launched on May 15, 2025.
Gachagua’s biography highlights his passion for public service, evident in his career and political endeavors. As a Member of Parliament for Mathira from 2017 to 2022, he demonstrated his commitment to public service. His experience as a District Officer (DO) and personal assistant to prominent figures, including Uhuru Kenyatta, has likely shaped his perspective on politics and governance.
Gachagua’s age and experience have equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of Kenyan politics. His birth date and occupation as a Kenyan politician are well-documented. With a focus on his career and political endeavors, Gachagua’s personal life has taken a backseat, with limited information available about his married life and personal interests.
Awards and Achievements
Rigathi Gachagua’s career has been marked by a rapid rise through Kenya’s public service ranks. Born on 28 February 1965, he entered government as an Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Heritage, later serving as a personal assistant to both the Head of the Public Service and Minister for Local Government Uhuru Kenyatta. By the time he was elected Member of Parliament for Mathira in 2017, he was already in his early fifties, bringing decades of administrative experience to the legislature. His appointment as the 2nd Deputy President of Kenya on 13 September 2022—at the age of 57—signaled national recognition of his leadership, and he remained in office until his impeachment in October 2024.
Beyond elected office, Gachagua’s achievements include founding the DCP Kenya party, launched on 15 May 2025, where he now serves as party leader. While the Wikipedia biography does not disclose his net worth, salary, height, weight, or marital status, these personal details have not detracted from his public impact. His tenure as deputy president saw him championing infrastructure projects and youth employment initiatives, underscoring a legacy that blends administrative expertise with a commitment to Kenya’s development.
Public Image and Legacy
Public Image and Legacy
Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua, born on 28 February 1965, has carved a polarizing yet influential career in Kenyan politics, marked by rapid ascension and contentious decisions. At 60 years old, his biography reflects a trajectory from grassroots governance to the nation’s second-highest office, serving as Deputy President under the 2010 Constitution from September 2022 until his impeachment in October 2024. His tenure as Mathira’s Member of Parliament (2017–2022) and earlier roles in the Ministry of Home Affairs and as a District Officer underscored his administrative capabilities. Gachagua’s leadership within the Jubilee Party and later DCP Kenya (launched May 2025) has positioned him as a key player in future elections. His legacy is inextricably tied to his role in Kenya’s political realignments, including his leadership in DCP Kenya. While critics highlight his impeachment as a cautionary tale of political overreach, supporters credit him with advocating for marginalized communities in Nyeri County.
