Dorcas Rigathi: Of miracles and grace
“Behind every great man, there is a great woman.” A popular quote coined during the 1960s and 1970s in the United States after femininity emerged as a movement in literature and social sciences, a term we use quite often in the 21st century.
It was first used by a newspaper, The Port Arthur News, in its publication of February 1946 in a report on sports, “They say behind every great man there’s a woman. While I’m not a great man, there’s a great woman behind me.”
The political rise of 57-year-old Rigathi Gachagua from Mathira member of parliament to the deputy president-elect is one to envy. The aggressive, stern, unapologetic deputy president-elect is married to one Dorcas Wanjiku Rigathi. Hers is a story of grass to grace.
Dorcas Wanjiku was born in Ndonyo Chege in Murang’a county losing her father at the tender age of 11 years. Along with her mother and 7 siblings, they moved in with their grandmother in Thika. Soon after, her mom went missing, unbeknown to them admitted to Kiambu hospital for 6 months.
Family wrangles saw them live in a chicken pen in her grandmother’s compound. In her words, “Our uncle did not want us to stay with our grandmother.” Being among the older siblings, Dorcas was employed as a maid, working for her uncles, just to feed her siblings. It’s while sleeping in the cold that her sister died from pneumonia.
Though things have never been a walk in the park for her, things began to look up after her admission to Kenyatta University in 1985. It’s during her campus years that she met Rigathi Gachagua, recounting fondly;
“He was a student leader at the University of Nairobi. Moi used to meet student leaders, and on one of those meetings, my girlfriends nudged me to attend. When I went, I met this fine gentleman in a suit ticking the names of those in attendance. He has always worn suits.”
Unknown to Rigathi, she had attended the meet-up in an attempt to seek an audience with the late president Moi. “I ran towards him [Moi] and actually hit him. My husband thought, this lady was very courageous. He went ahead to encourage me, and by the time we were done talking, I was able to see life from a different perspective.”
The two united in marriage in 1989 and are currently blessed with two sons, Kleith and Kevin.
After witnessing what her mother went through after the death of her father, Dorcas dedicated her service to the widow’s ministry at the House of Grace church. She served as an usher from 2002.
“Mom always told us, that when God is your Father things can change and miracles can happen. I had told God ‘If you bless me, I will serve you.”
Things did change for the better for her as Dorcas is now set to succeed Rachel Ruto to become Kenya’s Second Lady.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.