Nyeri Governor, Nderitu Gachagua, is dead

Nyeri Governor, Nderitu Gachagua, is dead.

Mr Gachagua died while undergoing treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, the United Kingdom.

The Governor, born on July 29, 1953, had traveled to London for treatment where he succumbed.

Gachagua was Nyeri’s first Governor and was elected in 2013 on a GNU party ticket alongside deputy governor, Wamathai Samwel Githaiga.

Nderitu Gachagua holds a degree in Building economics from the University of Nairobi.

Prior to being elected the Governor of Nyeri, Mr Gachagua served as the Member of Parliament of Mathira Constituency.

During his tenure as Governor, he put in place an elaborate policy and legislative framework in the county to guide key stakeholders from various sectors including education, trade, transport, tourism, hospitality and civil society organizations and ensure they are included in making key decisions.

During his tenure as the Governor, he faced two impeachment motions with last year’s being moved by Kiganjo Ward Member of the County Assembly Baragua Mutahi and seconded by Karatina Ward MCA, Joel Gichuru.

32 of the 46 MCAs supported the motion. This impeachment motion saw the MCAs camp overnight in the chambers as they awaited debate on the motion.

The MCAs accused Gachagua of misappropriation of public funds and abuse of office following recent revelations by the controller of budget that over Ksh 800 million.

The MCAs also accused the Governor of dictatorial leadership claiming that he has refused to be questioned over his alleged financial improprieties.

MCAs were also aggrieved by the Governor’s refusal to assent to the county’s 2016/2017 Finance Bill that would see them get a multi-million fitness club.

The impeachment, however, failed after the Senate failed to ratify the motion by the MCAs.

He was married to Margaret Karungaru Nderitu.