The post, published on 24 May 2019, showed Gachagua mourning the death of Maureen Kinyua, who was serving as the secretary to a Ruguru Ward MCA at the time. In his message, Gachagua described her passing as the result of a tragic road accident, and called on police to find the driver who knocked her down and fled the scene. He assured that justice would be pursued for her family.......To Read More CLICK HERE
On March 17, during a development tour in Busia County (with reports also linking remarks to Mount Elgon), President Ruto alleged that Gachagua had a hand in the death of a young woman – widely interpreted as a direct reference to Kinyua.
The President claimed Gachagua had impregnated the victim and later orchestrated her murder, a narrative that echoes unverified allegations first floated by former CS Moses Kuria in 2024.
Social media erupted immediately. Old videos of then-Deputy President Ruto personally consoling Kinyua’s family and posting public condolences in 2019 also resurfaced, with many Kenyans highlighting the irony.
In one 2019 post, Ruto wrote: “Condolences to the family and friends of Maureen Gathigia Kinyua. A keen, dedicated and thorough young girl… Rest in Peace.”
Gachagua’s 2019 Tribute Now Under Scrutiny
The post that has dominated timelines today was written by Rigathi Gachagua himself on May 24, 2019 – the very day Kinyua died:
“On Friday 24th May 2019 at around 6.30 pm I lost my Secretary Maureen Gathigia Kinyua (Nyarari ya Wanjiru).
Maureen was going back home using a motorbike when they were hit by a vehicle and passed away on the spot. She was a hardworking, honest, responsible, joyous and a friend to many. I wish her mum, brother and other family members strength and comfort during this difficult moment. RUGURU MOURNS.”