Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claims that his brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, was killed by powerful coffee cartels. In a recent live tv interview at Inooro TV, Gachagua alleged that his elder brother was poisoned leading to the deterioration of his health and his death.

The former governor died on February 24, 2017, due to what the family then said was a result of pancreatic cancer. But in a new twist of events, Gachagua claimed deep-pocketed coffee cartels had a hand in Nderitu's death.

"Our family believes and we know that our brother was poisoned by the cartels. He was very healthy but when he declared war on cartels, his health deteriorated," he said.

The DP painted a picture of highly connected and convoluted coffee cartels that have deep pockets and control State officials to deny coffee farmers their hard-earned money.

"When my brother declared war on cartels, they joined hands and went abroad and blocked the sale of Kenyan coffee, a move that later incited locals against him. We are ready for that and have instituted certain measures that I won't disclose," he said.

He added that he was assigned to deal with the cartels since he and President William Ruto have no interests in the sector and because he was 'incorruptible'.

"These guys are ruthless. Cabinet Secretaries and other government agencies can't deal with the cartels due to their powerful but evil schemes.

"When we appointed Mithika Linturi for the Agriculture docket, they tried to bribe him with Sh30 million but Linturi informed me and the Head of State. This is how I was given the responsibility," Gachagua said.

Cecily Mbarire's security detail

He further disclosed that he had directed that Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire's security detail be increased after her daring move of naming the coffee barons.

"She named the cartels that have impoverished farmers and as a result, we have increased her security even at her homes. This war can only be won by the President and I since we have enough security and can't be corrupted," he said.

Before the Inooro TV interview, Gachagua had told Meru vernacular stations that he too had been approached by cartels with a Sh7 billion proposal but he declined.

"I'm done having children, they are educated and in formal jobs while my wife is a pastor with no huge expenses. Even if they bribe the electorate and deny me votes in 2027 as long as farmers will have money in their pockets, I will be satisfied and go home peacefully," he said.

Gachagua claimed the coffee cartels have also been looking for legislators to bribe them with money, adding one MP who had been vocal against cartels has since been bribed and her lifestyle changed for good.