Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi

Dorcas Rigathi
Dorcas Rigathi in 2023
Dorcas in 2023
Born
Dorcas Wanjiku

1965 (age 59–60)
Ndunyu ya Chege, Gatanga, Murang'a County, Kenya
NationalityKenyan
Alma materKenyatta University
Occupation(s)Pastor, public advocate
SpouseRigathi Gachagua (m. 1989–present)[1][2]
Children2

Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi (born 1965), commonly known as Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, is a Kenyan pastor and public advocate. She served as Kenya’s Second Lady during her husband Rigathi Gachagua’s tenure as Deputy President, from 13 September 2022 until his removal via impeachment on 17 October 2024.[3][4] She led initiatives under the Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President (OSDP), including empowerment of the boy child, rehabilitation, and support for persons with disabilities, widows, and orphans.[5] Kithure Kindiki assumed office as Deputy President on 1 November 2024.[6][7]

Early life and education

Dorcas was born in 1965 in Ndunyu ya Chege, Gatanga, Murang’a County. She grew up in Kiandutu, Thika, and attended Mugumo-ini Primary School.[5] She studied education at Kenyatta University, earning a Bachelor of Education (Arts), and later obtained a professional management diploma.[5]

Ministry

Dorcas serves at House of Grace in Nairobi. She began ministry work in 2002 and was ordained in 2011.[5] Her work primarily supports widows and vulnerable families.

Public role and advocacy

Following the 2022 general election, Dorcas served as Second Lady while William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua were sworn in on 13 September 2022.[8] Through the OSDP, she led the “boy child” initiative, combining outreach clinics, rehabilitation, vocational training, and graduations.[9][10][11] She advocated for PWD inclusion through Special Olympics Kenya as patron.[12][13] She partnered with agencies such as NACADA to establish rehabilitation centres.[14][15]

She received the “Outstanding Catalyst in Vulnerable Empowerment Award” in September 2023 at the Africa Public Sector Awards.[16]

Personal life

Dorcas met Gachagua while studying—she at Kenyatta University and he at the University of Nairobi—and they married in 1989. They have two sons.[1][2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Dorcas Rigathi: Of miracles and grace". NTV Kenya. 23 August 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  2. ^ a b "The untold story of Dorcas Rigathi". Daily Nation. 22 November 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  3. ^ "Kenya's senate votes to remove deputy president by impeachment". Reuters. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  4. ^ "Kenya's Parliament removes the deputy president from office". AP News. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d "Her Excellency Pastor Dorcas Rigathi". Special Olympics. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  6. ^ "Kenyan court clears way for new deputy president". AP News. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  7. ^ "Kenya swears in new deputy president after court lifts stay order". Reuters. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  8. ^ "Ruto sworn in as Kenya's fifth President". Capital News. 13 September 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  9. ^ "Pastor Dorcas Rigathi closes wellness camp at ASK Jamhuri Grounds, Nairobi". Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  10. ^ "Boy Child graduation at Ol Kalou Rescue Center marks 'new day' for 132 young men". Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom (Africa). 22 November 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  11. ^ "Pastor Dorcas urges families to support recovering addicts". Capital News. 12 June 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  12. ^ "Dorcas Rigathi named Special Olympics Kenya Patron". TeamKenya. 8 September 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  13. ^ "Dorcas Rigathi vows to influence PWD-friendly policies". Capital News. 10 September 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  14. ^ "Ihururu Treatment and Rehabilitation Hospital officially opened by Her Excellency Pastor Dorcas Rigathi". NACADA. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  15. ^ "Pastor Dorcas Rigathi offers rehabilitation services to drug addicts". Kenya News Agency. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
  16. ^ "Pastor Dorcas Rigathi awarded for her work with the boy child". Citizen Digital. 9 September 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
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