Ruto picks MP Rigathi Gachagua as running mate

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.

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

He previously served as an Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, District Officer cadet and Personal Assistant to the head of Public Service.

The Mathira MP also worked as a District Officer in Kakamega and Laikipia Districts.

He was also the Personal Assistant of then Minister for Local Government, Uhuru Kenyatta.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ruto has promised to solve gender imbalance in the nation’s leadership within a year of his administration with Gachagua.

Kenya Kwanza had announced that they will make known who will be Ruto's running mate on Saturday but that never materialised, with rumours of last-minute jostling further complicating the political headache.

In an unusual midnight press conference called by Ruto’s Presidential campaign Director of Communications Hussein Mohamed, which many thought was the one to announce the long-awaited decision, the party decided to keep Kenyans guessing for a few extra hours.

Presidential candidates have until Monday, May 16 to submit the names of their running mates to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).