The selection of Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate has taken on new significance after the Kenya Kwanza Alliance Team postponed the event nearly three times. Ruto was supposed to name his deputy on Saturday morning, but the announcement was pushed back to 1 p.m., then 3 p.m., and finally did not happen until now.
According to sources, the Deputy President was supposed to pick his running mate from either Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki or Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, both of whom are from the Mt. Kenya region. A video of Mt. Kenya supporters hailing Hon. Rigathi Gachagua has gone viral, as they demand the naming of the vocal MP and Ruto’s running mate.
The Star Newspaper previously reported that negotiations had failed, resulting in the resignation of MP Rigathi Gachagua and Sen. Kithure Kindiki. At around 5 p.m., the latter was the first to leave, followed by Hon. Gachagua 20 minutes later.
The supporters of Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, who were camped outside a hotel waiting for the Deputy President to name his running mate, have criticized the delaying tactics used. They demand that DP Ruto appoint Mathira as MP and his running mate, failing which they will all leave the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.