Family Pushes for Fresh Probe Into ‘Suspicious’ Death Linked to Rigathi Gachagua
The family of Maureen Gathigia Kinyua has now taken a bold legal step by formally writing to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), demanding a new inquest into her 2019 death.
They strongly believe that her death was not a simple road accident, as earlier reported, but a carefully planned killing that was disguised to look like a boda boda crash.
Through their lawyers, the family submitted a detailed letter to the ODPP on March 19, 2026. In this letter, they outlined six major reasons that raise serious doubts about the official version of events. According to them, new witness accounts and physical evidence contradict the earlier findings and instead point to a well-organized plot.
Maureen’s father, James Kinyua Macharia, has since hired a legal team to push for justice. The lawyers say they have spoken to witnesses and reviewed documents that clearly challenge the claim that Maureen died in a road accident. In fact, they insist the available information suggests a completely different sequence of events.
According to the family’s account, Maureen was lured to the Mataga area by a female friend believed to have links to a powerful political figure from the Mount Kenya region.
She reportedly stayed there until late in the evening, well past 6pm. When she attempted to leave, the woman is said to have contacted her brother, who works as a boda boda rider, and gave him clear instructions on where to take Maureen.
What followed has raised even more suspicion. The boda boda rider allegedly disappeared from the scene almost immediately after the incident.
He only returned later after being summoned by a local base commander, something the family believes suggests prior coordination and planning rather than a random accident.
Even more troubling is the condition of the motorcycle that was said to have caused the accident. According to the family, the bike had no visible damage, dents, or signs of impact. They argue that this alone weakens the claim that there was a genuine crash.
The condition of Maureen’s body has also raised serious questions. The family says she had what appeared to be a penetrating wound on her forehead—an injury they believe cannot be explained by a normal road accident.
They also claim this detail was either ignored or not properly documented in the official autopsy report, which they now describe as flawed and incomplete.
Adding to the mystery, the lawyers revealed that shortly after the incident, the wife of the alleged senior political figure arrived at the scene. She reportedly observed the situation briefly and then left without offering any explanation. The family says this behavior was unusual and has only deepened their suspicions.
Another key concern is the disappearance of Maureen’s mobile phone. The family believes the device may have contained crucial evidence, including call logs and messages that could reveal who was in contact with her before her death. Its sudden disappearance has fueled claims that important evidence may have been deliberately removed.
Now, nearly seven years after her death, the family says they are no longer willing to wait in silence. They are demanding answers, accountability, and a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind what they believe was a planned murder.
The case has also drawn public attention due to the mention of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been linked to the matter through allegations circulating in political circles. This comes amid heightened political tensions between rival factions.
The issue resurfaced after President William Ruto made remarks on March 17 during a development tour in Busia County, where he accused Gachagua of having a role in Maureen’s death. These comments reignited public debate and brought the case back into the national spotlight.
However, Gachagua has strongly denied any involvement. He has maintained that Maureen’s death was the result of a hit-and-run accident that occurred near Sagana Catholic Church on May 24, 2019. At the time, investigations reportedly did not link him to the incident.
Despite this, the family’s legal team is now urging the ODPP to treat the case as a possible homicide. They are calling for a fresh investigation, a review of the initial autopsy findings, and a full forensic re-examination of the evidence collected at the scene.
For the family, this is not just about reopening a case—it is about finally uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is served after years of unanswered questions and growing suspicion.
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