Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to leave the country on November 14 for a three-week private trip to South Africa, sources close to his family have confirmed. The visit, described as both a holiday and a period of reflection, comes at a time when Gachagua’s political future appears uncertain and his financial situation increasingly strained.
According to close family members, politics has taken a heavy toll on both his mental wellbeing and finances. They revealed that the family’s financial reserves have dwindled, forcing them to let go of a hotel they had leased due to rising costs and dwindling income. “Politics can make you famous, but fame doesn’t pay bills,” said a relative who requested anonymity.
The family reportedly believes that their businesses are being quietly sidelined, with former associates avoiding them for fear of political repercussions. “Most people doing business with government don’t want to be seen close to him anymore,” another family member added.
Sources further disclosed that Gachagua’s trip is not purely for rest. While in South Africa, he is expected to meet high-ranking government officials and political figures in what is being described as an effort to “call a truce” and possibly rebuild bridges that were strained during his turbulent political battles in recent months.
Some of his confidants privately admitted that this season has made them appreciate the resilience of opposition leader the late Raila Odinga, noting that despite decades in politics, Raila “never went broke.”
Gachagua’s allies say the former DP intends to use the South African retreat to rethink his political direction, reconnect with his faith, and plan his next steps as he seeks to regain political relevance ahead of 2027.
