Former DP Rigathi Gachagua Mourns the Death of His Only Surviving Maternal Aunt
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is mourning the painful loss of his only remaining maternal aunt, Gladys Gathoni Kahua, who passed away recently.
In a deeply emotional message shared on Saturday, June 28, Gachagua said it was one of the hardest and saddest days of his life.
He described how the death of his beloved aunt, who became a strong pillar in his life after his mother’s death in 2019, left him feeling completely heartbroken.
Gachagua revealed that he received a troubling phone call at around 3:00 am, informing him that his aunt’s health had taken a serious turn.
Acting swiftly, he advised the family to rush her to Jamii Hospital in Karatina for emergency medical care. He then planned to visit her later that day.
Doctors at the hospital initially informed him that she was in a stable condition. Confident that she was improving, Gachagua set off for Karatina at 2:00 pm.
However, a heavy traffic jam near Ruiru delayed him by nearly 30 minutes. Sadly, this delay proved costly—he arrived at the hospital only to be told that his aunt had passed away at 4:05 pm, just five minutes before he got there.
“I was only five minutes late,” he wrote in his post. “I now have no one to turn to with this pain and grief. I have lost a mentor, a counselor, and someone who always guided me.”
The former DP spoke of his late aunt with deep affection, saying that she was much more than a relative to him.
Since the death of his mother, she had filled the role of a second mother in his life. She was his source of encouragement, spiritual support, and wisdom, always praying for him and offering words of hope.
Gachagua shared warm memories from his childhood, when he would visit her farm, which was famous for growing yellow passion fruits. Her dedication to farming earned her the nickname “Tata wa Matunda,” meaning “the fruits’ aunt.”
He recalled the joyful mornings spent at her home, enjoying porridge and boiled maize, while listening to entertaining folktales and brave stories about the Mau Mau fighters and their struggle for independence.
He further shared that both his mother and aunt were freedom fighters in the Mau Mau movement. His aunt played an important role in his upbringing—teaching him the Meru language and always reminding him to embrace his Ameru heritage.
Gachagua extended his heartfelt condolences to his aunt’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, neighbours, and friends in their home village.
He acknowledged the special place she held in their lives, noting that her passing was not only his personal loss but one that affected the entire community.
He also promised to give her a dignified and honourable send-off, describing her as a true heroine who shaped his life and leadership journey in many powerful ways.
Since sharing his emotional tribute, Kenyans from all walks of life have taken to social media to offer their sympathy, prayers, and support. Many flooded the comment section with comforting messages, praising Gachagua for publicly honouring a woman who clearly played an extraordinary role in his life.
The loss has clearly left a deep void in the former DP’s heart, but he remains committed to remembering and celebrating his aunt’s legacy with respect and gratitude.
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