Gachagua’s brother drops gubernatorial bid

By Margaret Kalekye

Businessman Rigathi Gachagua will not be seeking to succeed his brother the late Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua after all.

Rigathi has announced he will instead contest the Mathira constituency seat in the forthcoming general elections.

Rigathi Gachagua who was previously thought to be interested in the seat to continue his late brother’s legacy said he had reconsidered his position after wide consultations with his supporters.

Speaking at his Iruri home in Mathira, Rigathi said although there was immense pressure that he goes for the Governor’s seat so as to complete his late brother’s programs, he also had to heed the call of the Mathira Constituency residents who have asked him to serve as their MP for the next five years before he can decide whether to aspire for another higher office.

He however pledged to avail his late brother’s countywide political machinery to whoever between Senator Mutahi Kagwe and incumbent Governor Samuel Wamathai wins the Jubilee Party ticket, saying both were great friends of his late brother.

Kagwe, a former Information and Broadcasting Minister last week announced his gubernatorial bid saying his decision was driven by the need to see a technology-driven county where the agriculture, service and the Information and communication technology sectors will get priority.

“My vision is to see Nyeri become the first “smart county” where technology is used to create employment and manage resources”, the senator said.

He joins a crowded race that includes former Vision 2030 Director, Dr Wahome Gakuru, a Director of the White Rhino Hotel, Patrick Munene, Athi Water Services Board Chair, Wachira Keen, chicken breeder, Dr Thuo Mathenge, and businessman Githinji Kinyanjui.

Nderitu Gachagua passed on last month after a long illness and has since been succeeded until the next elections by his former deputy Ambassador Samuel Wamathai who has declared intentions to contest the seat.