Rigathi Gachagua was born on February 28, 1965, in Hiriga village, Nyeri County, and is a veteran politician, former Deputy President of Kenya, and a former district officer with a distinguished career in public service.
Known for his combative style and bold rhetoric, Gachagua’s polarizing demeanor often overshadows his educational achievements and extensive administrative expertise. Yet, he holds a solid academic foundation from various reputable institutions in Kenya.
Raised in Nyeri County, Gachagua’s upbringing was shaped by his family’s involvement in the Mau Mau struggle. His father, Gachagua Reriani, a staunch advocate for education, encouraged Rigathi to pursue his studies, beginning at Kabiruini Primary School from 1971 to 1977.
He later advanced to Kianyaga High School, where he excelled in both his O-level and A-level studies.
In 1985, he enrolled at the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Literature. During his studies, he took on prominent student leadership roles, serving as the chairperson of the Nyeri District University Students Association (NDUSA) and leading the Association of Literature Students. He graduated in 1988, driven by a strong passion for leadership and governance.
Gachagua’s zeal prompted him to further his education to refine his administrative capabilities. In 1990, he underwent paramilitary training at the Administration Police Institute, gaining critical skills in leadership and crisis management.
Later on, he pursued an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration at the Kenya School of Government between 1999 and 2000.
The course equipped him with knowledge in policy development, preparing him for the role of personal assistant to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, a position he held between 2001 and 2006.
Gachagua’s educational journey defies the stereotype that abrasiveness signals a lack of intellectual capability. His academic foundation, coupled with extensive administrative experience and subsequent entrepreneurial ventures, shaped him into a leader equipped with the expertise to navigate Kenya’s intricate political and governance landscape.
Despite his impeachment, he remains an authoritative figure in the country’s political landscape and continues to wield significant influence in governance and political discourse.
