22 Companies and Hotels Linked to Rigathi Gachagua

Rigathi Gachagua has had a relatively short career in politics, serving five years as a Member of Parliament and two and a half years as Deputy President. Even before holding elective positions, he was closely connected to influential leaders in Kenya.

He worked for several years as a personal assistant to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and later became a trusted aide to his late brother, Nderitu Gachagua, while he was Governor of Nyeri County. Through these networks, Gachagua has built considerable wealth, which he has publicly stated was largely earned during Mwai Kibaki’s administration.

Together with his family, Gachagua has invested in numerous businesses, mostly within Kenya. Here’s a closer look at some of the companies and foundations associated with him, his wife, and his sons.

Foundations

Rigathi Gachagua Foundation – Established in 2022, this non-profit aims to support vulnerable communities and has received at least KSh 12 million since its launch.

Dorcas Rigathi Foundation – Founded by Pastor Dorcas Rigathi in 2022, the foundation focuses on helping widows, single mothers, orphans, and rehabilitating drug addicts.

Family-Owned Companies

Spirit Way Limited – Linked to Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, this company was registered in 2023. Gachagua has stated it does not conduct business and has no bank account.

Calvary Creed International Limited – Most shares are held by Pastor Dorcas Rigathi (950), while Rigathi Gachagua owns 50 shares.

Mothers of the Land Limited – Registered in 2021, Gachagua says the company has never traded or held a bank account.

The Anansi Collective – A business registered in 2021 by Gachagua’s son, Dr. Keith Rigathi, which has never conducted business.

Grand Bypass Apartments Limited & Vipingo Beach Resort Limited – These properties are linked to the estate of Gachagua’s late brother, Nderitu Gachagua. Some reports during impeachment proceedings suggested they may have been acquired via proxies.

Vipingo Beach Resort, one of the companies run by Gachagua’s family. PHOTO/Courtesy

Fortis Vis Group Limited – Owned by Kevin and Keith Rigathi, registered in 2023, and reportedly has not traded.

Pioneer Medical (K) Limited – Established before Gachagua became Deputy President, it has not been active in business for the past ten years.

Ridor Furniture Mart Limited – Originally intended for the furniture business, it now focuses on managing rental properties.

Biovet (K) Limited – Both Rigathi Gachagua and his wife hold equal shares, each with 200. Registered in 2009.

Morani Manufacturers Limited – Linked to the Gachagua family, with majority ownership reportedly by Joshua Karianjahi Waiganjo.

Delta Merchants & Cosmere Venture Limited – Part of the family’s business portfolio. Gachagua confirmed that Cosmere Venture never conducted business with the government during his tenure.

Wamunyoro Investments Limited – Managed by Gachagua as MD, the company gained attention after a legal ruling confirmed it owns property near JKIA worth Sh1.5 billion.

Royal Crimson Ventures Limited – Among 22 companies associated with the family.

Kuruwitu Properties Limited – Owned under the estate of the late Nderitu Gachagua through Vipingo Beach Resort Limited.

Crystal Kenya Limited – Owned by Gachagua’s sons, Kevin and Keith, it acquired Outspan Hotel and Treetops Hotel in 2023.

Heartland Supplies Limited – Shared equally between Gachagua and his wife, the company has reportedly not traded in the last 10 years.

Karandi Farm Limited – Previously owned disputed land near JKIA, now part of Wamunyoro Investments.

Technical Supplies and Services (K) Limited – Investigated by the Assets Recovery Agency (ARA), it has not traded in the last decade according to Gachagua.