Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has threatened to drag a real estate company to court after it accused him of illegally occupying a luxury Nairobi apartment worth Ksh 25 million without paying a cent.
Through his lawyers, Gachagua described the allegations as “outright falsehoods” meant to tarnish his image.
In a strongly worded demand letter, he maintained that he had never interacted with the firm, never visited the property, and was a complete stranger to the alleged transaction.
His legal team now wants the company to issue a full retraction and publish a front-page apology in at least two national newspapers within 24 hours. Failure to comply, the letter warned, would force them to file a defamation suit.
The dispute erupted after the company, through its lawyers, demanded Gachagua’s eviction alongside that of a female associate allegedly living in the apartment.
They also sought compensation for what they termed “unlawful occupation” and threatened to auction items inside the residence if payment was not made.
But Gachagua’s lawyers fired back, calling the claims “reckless, defamatory, and deliberately misleading.” They argued that the accusations had already gone viral on social and mainstream media, sparking public uproar and damaging the former DP’s political and personal reputation.
“It is imperative to note that you made these statements knowing very well they were untrue, unsubstantiated, and published in total disregard for the truth,” the demand letter read in part.
According to his legal team, the allegations amount to defamation under Article 33(3) of the Constitution and the Defamation Act, which protects individuals from malicious attacks on their reputation.
The standoff adds to a growing list of controversies shadowing Gachagua, who has recently been accused of holding secret political dealings with President William Ruto — allegations that have unsettled the United Opposition as the 2027 race draws closer.
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Politics