The family of the late former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua has formally written to President William Ruto, seeking intervention over what they describe as a long-running dispute involving alleged forgery, fraud, and unlawful handling of the deceased’s estate.
In a letter dated March 23, 2026, the family asked the Head of State to order investigations and help recover assets they claim were wrongfully taken.
Addressed through the Office of the Attorney General, the petition claims that a close relative of the late governor has, over several years, orchestrated schemes to deny the rightful heirs their inheritance. The family alleges the interference included irregular transfers of property, use of intermediaries to misappropriate assets, and forced acquisition of estate holdings.
Central to the dispute is a contested will that the family insists is invalid. “We, the immediate family of the late Hon. James Nderitu Gachagua (Deceased), humbly and solemnly present this appeal before Your Excellency, seeking justice, protection, and the restoration of dignity to a family that has endured immense suffering and hardship following the passing of our beloved patriarch,” the letter reads.
The petition points out that the alleged will was prepared while Nderitu Gachagua was gravely ill, bedridden with metastatic pancreatic cancer, raising doubts about his capacity to approve legal documents.
“A central concern is the Will purportedly cited and relied upon by the brother to the deceased, which causes our family to express deep concerns about forgery and a cunning scheme to disinherit the lawful beneficiaries of the late Hon. James Nderitu Gachagua,” the family stated.
They further note that the document in question bears the inscription “Draft Last Will and Testament,” which they argue undermines its validity and legal standing. Suzan Kirigo Nderitu, one of the governor’s daughters, recalled that during his final days at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, he was too weak to see, write, or understand legal papers.
This medical condition, she says, contradicts the circumstances under which the disputed will was allegedly executed, adding weight to their claims of manipulation.
The petition also accuses the relative of exploiting political connections to divert funds intended for the family’s welfare while restricting their access to key properties.
Among the contested assets are a popular garden resort and a beach resort, which the family now seeks to recover as part of the estate.
Through this appeal, the family is calling on the President to ensure justice, recover misappropriated properties, and protect the rights of the lawful beneficiaries, highlighting the emotional and financial toll the dispute has taken on them.
