Rigathi Gachagua Mourns Firstborn Sister Eunice Nyangari, Dead at 77

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is in mourning after the death of his elder sister, Eunice Nyangari Gachagua, at the age of 77.

Eunice passed away on Thursday, November 5, in Naro Moru. Gachagua announced the loss in a family statement released on Friday, November 6, though he did not disclose the cause of death.

“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,” he stated.

A Mother Figure to the Family

Gachagua described Eunice as a central figure who stepped into a motherly role after their mother died seven years ago.

He said she offered guidance and support to the family in the years that followed, and that her death had left a gap among her siblings and relatives who depended on her presence.

The former DP extended condolences to her daughter Waithera, son Murimi, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the wider Reriani family.

‘A Happy and Warm Soul’

Gachagua said the family was grateful for the 77 years she lived, describing her life as one marked by happiness and warmth.

“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,” he said.

A Family Familiar With Loss

The death adds to a series of losses the Gachagua family has endured.

In June 2024, Gachagua lost his elder sister Leah Wangari Muriuki. He also lost his brothers Nderitu Gachagua, the first Governor of Nyeri County, in February 2017; Jack Reriani in September 2022; and James Reriani Gachagua, who died in May 2022 after a prolonged illness.