Rose Gakuo explains the family history linking Gachagua to Maasai roots

Rose Gakuo, a close political aide and strategic adviser to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has explained the family history linking him to Maasai roots, tracing his ancestry to his great-grandfather, Ole Kasi.

In a post, Gakuo claimed that Gachagua’s family originated from Maasai land and explained how his name came to be associated with the Kikuyu community. She linked the former deputy president’s name to his great-grandfather, whose original name was Ole Kasi.

According to Gakuo, the name changed over time as people from different communities struggled to pronounce it. She also mentioned Gachagua’s grandfather, Reriani, whose name she said was shortened to Leiyan.

“Rigathi came from Maasai Land. His great-grandfather was Ole Kasi; his people and neighbours couldn’t say it right and simply called Ole Kasi, Rigathi …just like his grandfather Reriani was simply Leiyan,” Gakuo said on Saturday, November 14, 2026.

Gakuo also referred to the Maasai spirit and described the community’s history of standing against what she termed political captivity. She accompanied her explanation with remarks celebrating the Maa community and its identity.

Her post brought attention to the family history behind Gachagua’s name, with her account connecting the former deputy president’s ancestry to Maasai roots through his great-grandfather.

Gachagua has previously spoken about the meaning of his first name and its connection to the Maasai community. In 2023, he addressed the subject during a service held at Ildamat Stadium in Kajiado Central, where he revealed that his first name translates to Ole Kasi in Maasai.

He also disclosed that his mother comes from Kajiado County, adding to his explanation of his connection to the region.

“Hii jina yangu Rigathi inaitwa Ole Kasi. Mimi ni Ole Kasi. Ikakorowa na wakikuyu ikawa Rigathi. Hiyo Rigathi ikakorogwa na vijana ikawa Riggy G,” Gachagua said.

His remarks offered another account of how his first name evolved, with the former Deputy President explaining how Ole Kazi became Rigathi before being shortened further by younger people to Riggy G.

Gakuo’s latest explanation has now provided additional family details, particularly the names of Gachagua’s great-grandfather and grandfather, as she traces his roots to the Maasai community.

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