Rigathi Gachagua mourns the passing of elder sister Eunice Nyangari

In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Gachagua expressed deep sorrow over the death of his sister, describing her as the central pillar of their family since the passing of their mother 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. "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 children, Waithera and Murimi, as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the broader Reriani family, noting that the entire family shares in the pain of her loss.

Reflecting on her 77 years of life, Gachagua celebrated her memory:

"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. Eunice was a happy and warm soul who lit up our hearts. We pray that her soul may rest in peace and that perpetual light may shine upon her forever."

The Gachagua family, originating from Hiriga village in Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County, holds a prominent place in Kenya’s history, spanning freedom fighting, public service, and political leadership.

Their late father, Mzee Nahashon Gachagua Reriani (who lived to age 105), was active during the Mau Mau uprising.

He serviced weapons for freedom fighters in the Mount Kenya forest, while his wife, the late Martha Kirigo Gachagua, served as a courier transporting food and ammunition to Mau Mau forces.

Mzee Nahashon Gachagua was a patriarch who had two wives, Martha Kirigo and Lydia Nyaguthii. Together, the family comprises a large lineage of 13 children.

The family has produced several key political figures in Kenya. Nderitu Gachagua served as the first Governor of Nyeri County and former Member of Parliament for Mathira Constituency before passing away in 2017.

Rigathi Gachagua served as the Member of Parliament for Mathira Constituency (2017–2022) and later as Kenya’s Deputy President.

Additionally, James Reriani Gachagua, a communications engineer educated in the U.S. who also vied for the Mathira parliamentary seat in 2013, passed away in 2022.

The passing of Eunice Nyangari Gachagua marks another tragic loss for the family, which has weathered the loss of several key figures in recent years.