James Nderitu Gachagua (July 29, 1953 – February 24, 2017) was a prominent Kenyan politician, accountant, and businessman who served as the first Governor of Nyeri County. A notable figure in Central Kenya's political landscape, his career bridged the transition from Kenya’s central governance system to the devolved government structure established under the 2010 Constitution. Born in Hiriga village in the Mathira West sub-county of Nyeri, Gachagua was raised in a family with a strong history of public and political service. His parents, Nahashon Gachagua Reriani and Martha Kirigu, were active in the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule, an experience that influenced the family's deep involvement in national affairs. Gachagua attended Ingorano Primary School before proceeding to Nyahururu and Nyeri High Schools for his secondary education. He later enrolled at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1976 with a degree in Building Economics. Gachagua began his professional career as a quantity surveyor, a field in which he built significant expertise over several decades. In 1977, he joined the Ministry of Public Works, where he served until 1982. He later held roles at the National Housing Corporation, serving as Chief Quantity Surveyor between 1983 and 1987. In 1987, he established his own private practice, founding Triple Eight Construction Limited. His success as a contractor and entrepreneur allowed him to build a substantial business empire, which provided a platform for his subsequent entry into elective politics. His political career commenced in 2002 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Mathira constituency on a National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) ticket. He served one term in the National Assembly before losing the seat in 2007. In 2013, Gachagua made a political comeback during the inaugural general elections held under the new devolved system. Running on a Grand National Unity (GNU) party ticket, he defeated his rivals to become the first Governor of Nyeri County. As Governor, Gachagua focused on infrastructural development, including road and water projects, and was particularly vocal in championing agricultural reforms, specifically within the coffee sector, where he sought to address cartels and improve market access for farmers. His tenure was marked by both achievement and significant political turbulence; he faced multiple impeachment attempts by the Nyeri County Assembly, though he survived these challenges, with the Senate ultimately ruling that the allegations against him did not warrant removal from office. Gachagua’s health began to decline during his term, and he eventually sought treatment for pancreatic cancer in London. He died on February 24, 2017, at the Royal Marsden Hospital, while still serving as Governor. He was succeeded by his deputy, Samuel Githaiga Wamathai. Following his death, Gachagua became the subject of extensive public and legal discourse regarding his estate, which involved multiple beneficiaries and later became a point of contention involving his brother, Rigathi Gachagua. He remains recognized as a significant figure in Nyeri's development history and a key architect of its devolved government operations.