Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is mourning the death of his eldest sister, Eunice Nyangari Gachagua, who passed away in Naro Moru on Thursday, November 5, aged 77.
Gachagua announced the loss in an emotional statement shared on Friday, describing his sister as the matriarch who held the family together following the death of their mother.
In his tribute, the former Deputy President revealed that Eunice had stepped into a maternal role for the siblings after the passing of their mother, Martha Kirigo Gachagua, seven years ago.
“The family of the late Mzee Nahashon Gachagua Reriani and the late Martha Kirigo Gachagua is mourning following the passing on of our firstborn sister, Eunice Nyangari Gachagua, in Naro Moru yesterday,” Gachagua stated.
He emphasised the central role she played in their lives, saying, “The late Eunice has been the mother figure in our family since the demise of our mother seven years ago”.
Gachagua extended his condolences to her immediate family, specifically naming her daughter Waithera, her son Murimi, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also expressed sympathy to the wider Reriani family.
“My family shares in the pain and grief of each and every one of us,” he stated.
Despite the grief, Gachagua celebrated his sister’s 77 years of life, remembering her as a source of joy and wisdom. He described her as a “happy and warm soul who lit up our hearts”.
Reflecting on the years they shared, the former Deputy President said the family would miss her guidance, warmth and companionship.
“We thank God for the 77 years she lived happily here on earth. We will deeply miss her wise counsel, warmth, and the precious moments we shared,” he said.
He concluded his tribute with a prayer for her eternal rest, saying, “We pray that her soul may rest in peace and that perpetual light may shine upon her forever”.
The death of Eunice marks another painful chapter for Gachagua, who has previously spoken publicly about the numerous losses within his family.
Born into a family of nine siblings, comprising four brothers and five sisters, Gachagua has previously revealed that all his brothers have passed away, largely due to complications related to alcoholism.
During a 2024 interview, Gachagua recounted the loss of his brothers, including former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua and Dr. Wachira Gachagua, describing the loneliness of returning to his rural home where he was the only surviving brother.
He also reflected on the graves of his siblings at the family compound, noting the personal toll of losing several members of his family.
Eunice was the firstborn daughter of the late Mzee Nahashon Gachagua Reriani and the late Martha Kirigo Gachagua. She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
