Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently offered a rare glimpse into his youthful days, revealing that he once pursued a passion for music as a self-made DJ during his time at the University of Nairobi.
Speaking during a candid interview on a live show hosted by media personality Oga Obinna, Gachagua opened up about his unexpected journey in the entertainment world. He explained that spinning records was not just a hobby but also a way to make money while studying.
“I was a DJ at the University of Nairobi. I enjoyed it, but it was also a business venture. I’m a businessman by nature,” Gachagua said, recalling how he invested around Ksh20,000 back in the 1980s to buy a full sound system—an amount he equated to about Ksh20 million today.
He shared that he used to charge Ksh1,500 per night for DJing gigs using his own equipment, cleverly branding his entertainment outfit as Jagua Disco—a play on his own surname.
Beyond the turntables, Gachagua’s love for music extended to dancing. He recalled being deeply inspired by Michael Jackson and the breakdance craze of the early 1980s. A major influence came after watching the film Breakin’ at Kenya Cinema, which motivated him and his peers to spend countless hours practicing breakdance routines.
“Breakdancing was huge in 1984. We trained hard. But it was risky. I saw people seriously injure themselves trying to mimic moves without proper training—especially some daring boys in the village,” he recounted.
Gachagua also revealed that music continues to be a vital part of his life. He fondly spoke about owning a live band that he occasionally invites to his home to entertain him and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, with local hits, especially in the “One-Man Guitar” genre.
Reminiscing about their youthful days, he shared how he and his wife used to enjoy nights out dancing at a popular club on Koinange Street. However, those nights became less frequent after Dorcas answered her calling to serve as a pastor.
To maintain their love for music and togetherness, Gachagua decided to bring the party home by hiring a private band to play for them whenever they felt like dancing.
Despite his demanding political engagements and meetings, especially at his Wamunyoro residence, Gachagua emphasized that family remains a priority.
“Monday is our family day. My wife and I make time to be with our sons, cook together, and talk. We always keep that time sacred—unless there’s an emergency,” he said.
