Nderitu Gachagua’s Family Writes to Ruto Over Alleged Forged Will and Stolen Estate

The family of the late former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua has formally petitioned President William Ruto, seeking intervention, which includes a probe and recovery of assets over a long-running dispute surrounding the deceased’s estate.

In a detailed letter dated March 23, this year, the family appealed to the Head of State to initiate investigations into what they describe as fraud, forgery, and unlawful interference in the management of the estate.

The petition, addressed through the Office of the Attorney General, outlines claims that a close relative has, over the years, orchestrated schemes aimed at disinheriting the rightful beneficiaries of the late governor.

According to the family, the alleged interference has involved irregular transfer of assets, use of proxies to defraud the estate, and forceful acquisition of properties belonging to the deceased.

At the center of the dispute is a contested will, which the family claims is fraudulent and cannot be legally upheld.

“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 read in part.

Further, the family states that the will is said to have been executed at a time when Nderitu Gachagua was critically ill and bedridden with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

“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’s petition added.

Adding that, “Significantly, the alleged will clearly bears the inscription ‘Draft Last Will and Testament’ on its face, which self-evidently obliterates its validity and authenticity.”

One of the daughters, Suzan Kirigo Nderitu, recalls that during his final days at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, the late governor was too weak to see, write, or comprehend legal documents.

They say this medical condition contradicts the circumstances under which the alleged will was prepared, adding to their claims of forgery and manipulation.

The petition also accuses the unnamed relative of leveraging political influence to misappropriate funds meant for the family’s welfare while denying them access to key properties.

Among the assets in dispute are a popular garden resort and another beach resort, which the family wants returned as part of the estate.