The Estate of former Nyeri Governor, the late James Nderitu Gachagua, has moved to counter claims of disinheritance and mismanagement, detailing how billions of shillings in assets were distributed to beneficiaries in strict adherence to his will.
In a statement released Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the Executors, among them former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, said they were compelled to address what they termed as “inaccurate and misleading information” circulating in public discourse regarding the handling of the estate since Gachagua’s death in 2017.
According to the Executors, the estate settled liabilities amounting to Sh1.07 billion owed to commercial banks and other creditors, following the sale of key properties including Kiangwachi and Queensgate.
Additional assets such as Olive Gardens and Vipingo Beach Resort were sold in 2023.
After settling debts, the Executors reported that a net surplus cash of over Sh 648 million was distributed among 23 beneficiaries in line with the deceased’s will.
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They emphasized that no beneficiary was disinherited, contrary to claims in sections of the media.
“All beneficiaries were taken care of in strict compliance with the will of the deceased,” the statement read, adding that there have been no legal proceedings challenging the will or alleging disinheritance.
The Executors further noted that beneficiaries, including the deceased’s mother, two wives, and six children, were actively involved throughout the estate administration process.
They cited continuous engagement through an Estate Office, as well as support provided in the form of school fees, maintenance, and living expenses, amounting to Sh92 million during the administration period.
The will, executed before Gachagua’s death in February 2017 in London, directed that most properties be sold and proceeds distributed after settling liabilities.
It also stipulated that any beneficiary who challenged the will would be automatically disinherited.
Specific bequests outlined in the will have already been implemented, including residential properties in Karen, Nyeri, and ancestral land allocated to family members.
Additionally, 70 apartments in Nairobi valued at Sh696 million and parcels of land in Lusoi, Nyeri, were transferred to beneficiaries based on mutual agreements.
On motor vehicles, 13 cars valued at Sh17,160,000 were shared amongst seven beneficiaries among them former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua who got an Isuzu FV223 valued at Sh2 million.
The Executors, also comprising Senior Counsel Njoroge Regeru and Advocate Mwai Mathenge, said all beneficiaries had signed consent documents prior to confirmation of the grant of probate in 2018, affirming agreement on the distribution.
They also highlighted that the sale of assets was conducted collaboratively with beneficiaries, including the appointment of Villa Care during the COVID-19 period to facilitate marketing.
Four private treaty sales were concluded between 2018 and 2023, generating significant returns and a surplus of Sh53 million from cost savings.