From politics to playlists: Rigathi Gachagua reveals his secret past as a university DJ
Gachagua said he had been a DJ both for fun and to earn money, adding that he bought a disco system for about Sh25,000, which was considered a significant amount at the time.
In a surprising revelation, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua shared that he worked as a DJ during his university days, entertaining crowds, hosting parties, and earning extra income.
“[It was] at the University of Nairobi where I became a DJ,” Gachagua told Obinna during a TV interview on Friday.
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The former DP said he used his own sound system and preferred not to hire anyone else.
“I decided, why do I have to employ a DJ? I own the equipment. I’m the DJ.”
“I was a DJ for fun and for making money. I bought a disco system at a cost of about Sh25,000… that was a lot of money then,” Gachagua stated.
His mobile disco was named “Chagua Disco”, a name creatively drawn from his surname.
During his sets, he played hits from legends like Michael Jackson and Kool & the Gang.
“Those were the days when Kool & the Gang… yeah, it was a top hit. Michael Jackson… ‘Off the Wall’… we enjoyed,” Gachagua said as he reminisced about his past.
Mau Mau fighters
Born in 1965 in Nyeri, Gachagua is the lastborn in a polygamous family of nine. During the 2022 campaigns, he claimed to come from a family of Mau Mau fighters – the militant group that fought for Kenya’s independence.
He enrolled at Kabiruini Primary School from 1971 to 1977 before proceeding to Kianyaga High School for his O-levels and A-levels.
In 1985, he joined the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Literature in 1988.
His student politics connections paid off as soon as he graduated from the University of Nairobi in 1988.
Gachagua was absorbed into the country’s public service, starting off as an administrator in the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Office of the President.
He went on to hold different positions as a district officer (DO) between 1990 and 1999.
He served in Kirinyaga, Kakamega and Laikipia.
During the reign of former President Daniel Moi, provincial administrators were known for high-handedness, use of force, corruption and abuse of power.
Between 2001 and 2006, Gachagua worked for former President Uhuru Kenyatta as his personal assistant while Kenyatta served as minister, presidential candidate and later as leader of the opposition.
Entry into politics
Working as Mathira Constituency MP was Gachagua’s entry into competitive politics.
Gachagua’s deep love for music adds a new layer to the man known mostly for his political battles.
It also reveals a lighter side, one that perhaps isn’t often seen in public life.
Even now, music remains a big part of his life.
“Mostly, I’m a guy who loves music. In fact, I have a band,” he said with a smile.
“I love mugithi, I like one-man guitar. I like soul music. I like country music. I love Ken Rogers. I love Don Williams. Okay, Crystal Gayle,” Gachagua said.
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