Spouse of Deputy President
Her Excellency Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi, EGH, embodies a compelling narrative of resilience, compassion, and dedication, intertwining her roles as a devoted spouse of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, and a champion for the vulnerable in society.
Born in Ndunyu ya Chege village in Gatanga Constituency, Muranga County, in 1965, Pastor Dorcas' journey navigates from humble beginnings to significant contributions in various spheres of life. She grew up in Kiandutu slums in Thika, and attended Mugumo-ini Primary School, where she displayed exceptional academic prowess despite being infested with jiggers and lice brought about by living in poverty.
Her academic journey culminated in attending Alliance Girls High School for her O-level education, followed by A-levels at St. Francis Girls in Mangu. Armed with a Bachelor of Education in Arts from Kenyatta University, her thirst for knowledge led her to delve into professional management courses, specializing in modern management principles, business communication, and sales.
Pastor Dorcas, an ardent advocate for the underprivileged, garnered recognition for her community outreach and ministry, culminating in the prestigious accolade of an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Breakthrough International Bible University in 2021. In 2023, she received the Outstanding Catalyst in Vulnerable Empowerment Award, a recognition for her work with the boy child, widows, orphans and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Her career journey reflects a collection of experiences, including a commendable 15-year tenure at the Cooperative Bank, underscoring her proficiency in banking and as an astute business lady.
With a deep commitment to her Christian faith, she is an active member and Pastor at the House of Grace, Nairobi, where her journey in the church commenced as an usher in 2002, eventually leading to her ordainment in 2011. Having been brought up by a widow, she has a lifelong dedication to supporting the less fortunate and vulnerable, particularly widows.
Her work revolves around advocating for the less fortunate and fostering a dignified future for the vulnerable segments of society. Under the Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President (OSDP), Pastor Dorcas envisions a future founded on chaplaincy and family values, with the target populations being the empowerment of the boychild, orphans, widows, and persons with disabilities.
She is the founder of the Dorcas Rigathi Foundation (DRF) , a non-profit organization committed to making a transformative impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities. The foundation operates with a vision to inspire hope, foster empowerment, and create positive change across various spheres. DRF is also committed to creating an equitable future and restoring socioeconomic participation to the Boy Child, Widows, Orphans, and Persons with Disabilities in Kenya, through equal access to resources, skills, capabilities, and human and civil rights.
Drawing inspiration from Psalm 82:3, Pastor Dorcas fervently upholds the cause of the weak, fatherless, poor, and oppressed, infusing her endeavors with a spirit of empathy, fortitude, and a relentless pursuit of social justice. Her story resonates as a testament to resilience, compassionate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to fostering a more equitable society.