The family of the late James Nderitu Gachagua has petitioned President William Ruto, seeking an independent investigation into alleged fraud and interference in the administration of his estate.
In a letter dated 23 March 2026 and addressed to the President through the Attorney General, the family claims a close relative orchestrated a scheme to disinherit them through intimidation, manipulation and fraudulent dealings.
They allege the actions led to irregular transfer of assets and financial losses to beneficiaries.
At the centre of the dispute is a contested will the family argues is invalid. They say the document is marked “Draft Last Will and Testament,” raising concerns about its legal authenticity.
The family maintains that a draft document cannot constitute a final will under the law.
They further question the circumstances under which the document was allegedly executed, stating that at the time, the late governor was critically ill with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
According to the petition, he was bedridden and unable to see, write or comprehend legal documents, making the validity of the will doubtful.
The family accuses the unnamed relative of leveraging political influence to interfere with the estate and misappropriate resources meant for their welfare.
They say they have been denied access to key properties forming part of the estate, including Olive Gardens and Vipingo Beach Resort.
As part of their petition, they are seeking the return of assets they claim were irregularly transferred and protection from further intimidation.
They are also calling for an independent inquiry into alleged forgery, unlawful intermeddling and fraudulent dealings.
The matter has drawn political attention due to its link to Rigathi Gachagua, a brother to the late governor.
The development comes days after President Ruto accused his former deputy of disinheriting a sibling, an allegation that has previously been denied.
Similar claims were raised during impeachment proceedings against Rigathi Gachagua but were dismissed.
The family, however, insists its petition is focused on justice and protection of rightful beneficiaries.
The petition calls for an impartial investigation to establish the authenticity of the will and examine alleged interference in the estate.
The family says it hopes government intervention will restore their rights and bring closure to the dispute.
Nderitu Gachagua, the first governor of Nyeri county, died on 24 February 2017 while undergoing treatment in London.
