He left an indelible mark on his community and the nation, serving with passion, resilience, and a unique style that earned him the nickname "political cat."
Despite his relatively short political career, Gachagua’s life story reflects determination, success, and the challenges that come with leadership.
Born in Hiriga village, Mathira West, Nyeri County, Nderitu Gachagua came from a politically active family.
His parents, Nahashon Gachagua and Martha Kirigu, were influential figures in the Kanu political party, a key force in Kenya's political landscape during the time. Nderitu was one of nine children, growing up in a large family with four brothers and five sisters.
He began his education at Ingorano Primary School in Nyeri before moving on to higher learning. Gachagua pursued his university education at the University of Nairobi, where he obtained two degrees—one in law and another in building economics.
His academic qualifications laid a strong foundation for his career in the construction industry, which he would later leverage to build his wealth.
Gachagua’s professional journey began in 1977 when he joined the Ministry of Public Works as a quantity surveyor after graduating from the University of Nairobi in 1976.
His skills and hard work saw him rise to the position of Provincial Quantity Surveyor by 1982.
He later joined the National Housing Corporation as the Chief Quantity Surveyor, a role that gave him invaluable experience in the housing and construction sectors.
In 1987, Nderitu decided to venture into private business by forming his own construction company, Triple Eight Construction Limited.
This marked the beginning of his success as a contractor and businessman. His company thrived, securing major contracts and growing his fortune.
Gachagua became known as a billionaire, and his financial success provided him with a solid platform to influence local politics in Nyeri County and beyond.
Nderitu Gachagua’s entry into politics came in 2002 when he ran for the Mathira Constituency parliamentary seat under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) party.
He won the election and served as a Member of Parliament for one term. However, in 2007, he lost the seat to rival Ephraim Maina, another contractor, in a fiercely contested election.
Despite this setback, Gachagua was determined to continue his political career. In 2013, he made a triumphant return by running for the position of governor in Nyeri County.
He contested the election under the Grand National Union (GNU), a political party he founded, and emerged victorious.
He defeated the then-popular TNA candidate, Wahome Gakuru, by securing over 140,000 votes, compared to Gakuru’s 130,000 votes. His victory was attributed to his strong command over Mathira Constituency, where he was widely supported.
As governor, Gachagua’s leadership style was assertive and sometimes controversial. He was known for his no-nonsense approach, often clashing with political opponents and even members of his administration.
His determination to fight cartels in the coffee industry, which had long exploited farmers, was one of his signature policies.
He sought to market Nyeri’s coffee directly to international markets, aiming to break the grip of middlemen. Although his policies had mixed results, his efforts were appreciated by many.
Gachagua's political journey was not without challenges. His abrasive leadership style often put him at odds with his critics, and in 2014, he faced an impeachment attempt.
However, he survived this political storm, solidifying his reputation as a "political cat" with nine lives. His ability to withstand political pressure and navigate through turbulent times earned him respect from his supporters, even as detractors labeled him as running the county with an iron fist.
Unfortunately, Gachagua’s health began to decline in 2014. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a disease that would lead to numerous hospitalizations.
Despite his medical struggles, he remained active in politics, continuing to govern Nyeri until his condition worsened.
On February 24, 2017, Nderitu Gachagua passed away at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where he had been receiving treatment.
His death marked a significant moment in Kenya's history as he became the first sitting governor to die in office. His passing was mourned across the country, with many paying tribute to his contributions to Nyeri County and Kenya at large.
At the time of his death, Gachagua left behind a vast estate worth approximately Ksh 2 billion. His wealth, accumulated through years of successful business ventures, included properties such as Olive Garden Hotel in Nairobi, Vipingo Beach Resort in Kilifi, and several residential properties in Lang’ata, Karen, and Nyeri.
His will named 24 beneficiaries, including his two wives, four children, and two sons born out of wedlock, ensuring that they all received shares of his estate.
Nderitu Gachagua also had stakes in various companies, including Hardrock Quarries Ltd and Tripple Eight Ltd. He owned a fleet of luxury cars, including a Mercedes Benz, Range Rover, and Audi Q7, further cementing his status as a wealthy businessman.
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