Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's brother Jack Reriani dies

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (L) poses for a picture with his elder brother Jack Reriani. [File, Standard]

Jack Reriani, the elder brother of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has died.

Reriani died on Saturday evening, September 24.

According to a family member who spoke to The Standard, Reriani fell ill at his Mathira home in Nyeri County, and was taken to Jamii Hospital in Karatina, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said in a statement on Sunday that his brother's death has left him shattered.

"The news of your passing hit me hard. I now remain alone among the sons of Kirigo," Rigathi said in a statement on his official Facebook page.

Rigathi and Reriani were born to a polygamous family.

The deputy president's other brothers, Nderitu Gachagua, who was the first Governor of Nyeri County, and James Reriani have since passed on.

Nderitu died on February 24, 2017 while James Reriani died on May 8, 2022.

Mourning eldest sibling Jack Reriani

Eulogising his eldest sibling, Jack Reriani, who died recently, Rigathi Gachagua said he benefited from his kindness, generosity and counsel.

According to the deputy president, it's Reriani who funded his secondary education and often advised him on the various aspects of life, including leadership.

After he was sworn into office as deputy president on September 13, Rigathi said Reriani spent three days with him.

"We spent quality time for three days during our inauguration. You were so happy, jovial and full of life. We shared beautiful moments of our life back in the village," said the deputy president.