Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is once again in the spotlight, this time over explosive claims that he failed to pay for a Ksh25 million Nairobi apartment allegedly occupied by his sidechick.
A real estate firm has accused Gachagua of illegally taking possession of the luxury unit through a female associate, sparking threats of eviction and auction. In a swift response, Gachagua dismissed the allegations, branding them defamatory and politically motivated.
His lawyers have demanded an immediate retraction and a public apology. The scandal has fueled heated debate, linking Gachagua’s private life to his already troubled political career.
Gachagua Sidechick Allegations Shake Political Arena
The case emerged after a real estate company accused Gachagua of moving his female associate into a plush Nairobi apartment without clearing the Ksh25 million bill.
Through a demand letter, the company sought immediate eviction of the occupants, liability for unlawful possession, and settlement of any accrued sums. They warned that if Gachagua did not comply, they would use all lawful means to recover losses, including auctioning items inside the apartment.
The allegations quickly spread on social media, igniting speculation about Gachagua’s personal life and exposing fractures in his political image. For a man already battling to secure his relevance ahead of the 2027 General Election, the timing of the scandal could not have been worse.
Gachagua Responds with Legal Threats
Gachagua swiftly denied the claims, stating that he had never interacted with the firm or set foot on the property. Through his legal team, he dismissed the accusations as fabricated lies intended to damage his reputation.
In a strongly worded letter, his lawyers accused the firm of spreading reckless and unsubstantiated allegations. They demanded an immediate written retraction, an apology published in at least two national newspapers, and removal of any defamatory content.
The lawyers gave the company a strict 24-hour deadline, warning that failure to comply would result in a defamation lawsuit.
Gachagua’s legal team further argued that the claims violated the Defamation Act and Article 33(3) of the Constitution, which restricts freedom of expression when it harms others’ reputations.
Why the Scandal Matters to Gachagua’s Political Career
The scandal goes beyond a private dispute. For Gachagua, every controversy erodes his fragile political base.
Only months ago, he was accused of working secretly with President William Ruto despite claiming loyalty to the opposition front. Now, with fresh allegations linking him to an unpaid luxury apartment for a sidechick, his credibility is again under attack.
Analysts warn that scandals of this nature not only weaken his image but also give rivals ammunition ahead of the 2027 elections. For a politician already struggling to convince the public of his integrity, being dragged into a high-profile property dispute could further alienate voters.
Public Reactions and the Growing Pattern of Scandals
The Nairobi apartment dispute has added fuel to ongoing public debates about accountability among political elites. Critics argue that leaders like Gachagua live lavish lifestyles while ordinary Kenyans struggle with rising living costs.
On social media, Kenyans questioned whether the scandal points to deeper issues of financial misconduct, while others mocked the former DP for repeatedly finding himself at the center of controversy.
Observers also note that Gachagua’s approach—legal threats and denials—follows a pattern he has used in past scandals. While such moves may silence critics in the short term, they often fail to address underlying questions about his integrity.
