Rigathi Gachagua explains17 hour running mate selection stalemate

Rigathi Gachagua explains17 hour running mate selection stalemate

Mathira Member of Parliament Rigathi Gachagua has said that the move by Deputy President William Ruto to pick him as his running mate in the August polls came as a surprise.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s Sunday Live, Gachagua added that the exercise of picking a running mate has been a continuous process for the last 6 months. 

“The ultimate decision was his but he also needed to hear leaders from the region so that he could make an informed decision. I did not know that I would be picked as Ruto's running mate. I thank God that I was selected from a list of equally competitive candidates. I thank the DP for the faith he has in me," Gachagua said.

Quizzed on why the naming of the running mate took hours, Gachagua noted that Ruto sought views from various groups affiliated to Kenya Kwanza. 

“The deputy president made 30 calls in each of the 11 counties and talked to different people; women, and youth, while putting them on speakerphone and collected their views. The exercise that was going on for 17 hours was not to decide who will be the running mate,” the Mathira MP added.

"There was no election; he only asked for their opinion. It was unanimous that whatever decision DP Ruto would make, all of us would go along with it," he said.

According to Gachagua, if Ruto is elected president, his roles as the second-in-command would include spearheading development initiatives and building relations between the county government and the national government.

Gachagua similarly threw blame on the government regarding corruption allegations leveled against him. 

“An allegation is not a conviction. When I was intimidated to support ‘The handshake’ and I refused, the criminal justice system was set against me. Mine is political just like so many others,” Gachagua claimed.

Announcing his running mate pick on Sunday at his official residence in Karen, Ruto described Gachagua as "an astute debater, a successful elected politician who is a principled, resilient and fearless fighter for the right cause."

MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Alice Wahome (Kandara), National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki were among the candidates considered for the position.

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Rigathi Gachagua William Ruto Running mate

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