Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, is currently grappling with personal tragedy following the death of his elder sister, Leah Wangari Muriuki.
In a heartfelt announcement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Gachagua expressed the deep impact of this loss on his family. He described Leah as not just a sister, but a maternal figure who had assumed the role of family matriarch following the passing of their parents.
“Leah has been our Mother and the family Matriarch,”
Gachagua wrote, highlighting her pivotal role in maintaining family unity and welfare after the death of their father and their two mothers.
The deputy president painted a picture of a woman who was the cornerstone of the Gachagua clan, praising her for her unwavering dedication to nurturing and guiding the extended family through the years.
Gachagua’s tribute extended beyond immediate family, as he offered condolences to Leah’s husband, children, and grandchildren, acknowledging the ripple effect of grief that her death would cause throughout the family tree.
A Difficult Week for Gachagua, Amidst Finance Bill 2024 Protests
The timing of this personal loss has added complexity to Gachagua’s public duties, considering the country is experiencing nationwide protests on Finance Bill 2024.
“This is a very difficult week for me as a national leader and a family man,”
He admitted, illustrating the challenge of balancing personal grief with the responsibilities of his high-profile political position.
Gachagua concluded his statement with a prayer for national healing, extending his thoughts beyond his personal loss to the wider Kenyan community.
“I ask God to heal our country and all the families therein.”
