Rigathi  Gachau was born in 1965 to Andrew Kibe and Jane Kirigo in Ruguru village, Mathira constituency. He is the brother of the late Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, whose surprise death left many in disbelief.

Rigathi Gachagua is William Ruto’s running mate on Kenya Kwanza’s coalition ticket. Gachagua was unveiled as Kenya Kwanza’s presidential running mate on May  15, 2022.

Gachagua is the current member of parliament of Mathira Constituency since 2017 on a Jubilee ticket at the time of his naming as William Ruto’s running mate.

Gachagua studied at Kabiruini Primary School (1971 - 1977), Kianyaga High School - A levels (1982 to 1983 ), and Graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Literature from 1985 to 1988. 

In 1990, he received Paramilitary training from the Administration Police Institute.  

He also earned a Diploma in Advanced Public Administration from the Kenya School Of Government in 1999 and 2000.

Between 1995 and 1996, Gachagua served as District Officer I (DO I) in Kakamega District. Similarly, he served as DO I in Ng'arua Division, Laikipia District, between 1997 - 1999. Gachagua held these positions during the late former president Daniel Moi’s tenure.

Between 1989 to 1980, he served as the Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs & National Heritage. 

He also served as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s personal assistant between 2001 and 2006. In 2017 before he was elected as a member of parliament for Mathira Constituency. 

Gachugua faces corruption and money laundering allegations amounting to about Ksh 7 billion ($65 million). 

His opponents claimed these allegations would disadvantage William Ruto in his presidential bid. 

Some of his opponents questioned his nationwide popularity and pushed his rival, Kithure Kindiki, who skipped the event. 

“Rigathi Gachagua DO mentality will not intimidate some of us,” said a vocal Kenya Kwanza politician Kimani Ichung’wa. “William Ruto’s choice is our choice and we have settled on a man respected across the country, Prof. Kithure Kindiki.”

Others alleged that he used his vast amounts of wealth to buy the position. He’s also alleged to be the financier of Kenya Kwanza's presidential campaign.

"I am reading somewhere that Prof Kithure Kindiki lacked 2 very important minimum requirements to be KK DP. Scandal & Money. Prof will be just fine!" - Mohamed Wehliye, MBS.

However, largely unknown before the 2022 elections, many in the Kenya Kwanza coalition perceive him as a “hustler” and an outsider in Kenyan politics dominated by powerful families. 

This perception (possibly inaccurate) fits well with the “hustler community” that claims to be against perceived “dynastic rule.” 

Gachagua is believed to be a mobilizer and expected Kingpin of the Mount Kenya region after President Kenyatta leaves office. His unexpected ascent to power will be a surprise to many.

During the announcement, William Ruto described Gachagua as having the "prerequisite drive, knowledge and stamina to help us transform our country."

However, it matches that of William Ruto, who challenged Moi’s decades of rule and established himself as the regional powerhouse.

Leading political parties in Kenya had difficulty selecting the presidential running mate. Azimio la Umoja even challenged Kenya's election laws that demand all presidential candidates name their running mate ahead of the polls.

However, the Kenya Kwanza Alliance became the first political party to name its presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua.