Nderitu Gachagua family petitions Ruto over alleged estate fraud and forged will
Late Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua.[COURTESY]
The family of the late James Nderitu Gachagua has formally appealed to President William Ruto, seeking urgent intervention over what they describe as years of injustice, fraud, and unlawful interference in the administration of the deceased’s estate.
In a letter dated March 23, 2026, addressed to the Head of State through the Attorney General, the family claims that a close relative has orchestrated a scheme to disinherit the rightful beneficiaries through intimidation, manipulation, and irregular transfer of assets.
At the centre of the dispute is a contested will that the family argues is both invalid and potentially forged. According to the petition, the document in question is marked “Draft Last Will and Testament,” raising serious doubts about its legal standing.
The family further questions the authenticity of the will, stating that it was allegedly executed at a time when the deceased was critically ill and incapacitated. They note that Gachagua was suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer and was bedridden, conditions they say would have made it impossible for him to comprehend or sign legal documents.
They also allege that the relative used political influence to interfere with the estate, misappropriate funds meant for dependents, and unlawfully acquire properties belonging to the family. As a result, key matters surrounding the estate remain unresolved, leaving the family in financial distress and prolonged uncertainty.
Among the properties cited in the dispute are Olive Gardens and Vipingo Beach Resort, which the family claims were irregularly transferred.
In their appeal, the family is calling for an independent investigation into the alleged forgery of the will, fraudulent dealings, and unlawful interference in the estate. They are also seeking the return of all contested assets and protection from further intimidation.
The family expressed confidence in the President’s commitment to justice, urging swift action to restore dignity, fairness, and closure to the matter.
The case adds to a growing number of inheritance disputes in Kenya, where concerns over forged wills, estate mismanagement, and prolonged succession battles continue to raise questions about the effectiveness of legal safeguards in protecting beneficiaries.