Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki was conspicuously missing at Deputy President William Ruto’s Karen residence during the unveiling of Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua as Ruto’s running mate.
After 17- hours of the standoff, DP Ruto settled on Mathira MP as his running mate ahead of the August polls.
While unveiling Gachagua, the Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate praised Kindiki, alluding to his absence without offering any explanation.
“I want to thank my lawyer and friend Abraham Kithure Kindiki who became the runner up. Even though the current senator of Tharaka Nithi is not here with us now, he brought a lot of passion to this contest, “ Ruto said.
Ruto revealed that the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, settled on Gachagua because he is an astute debater, a principled, resilient, and fearless fighter for the right cause.
“I nominate my good friend Rigathi Gachagua to be my running mate in the August 9, 2022, presidential election,” Ruto told a news conference on Sunday.
Ruto revealed that he chose Gachagua from other worthy candidates who made it to the shortlist among them Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, Murang’a Women Representative Alice Wahome, and Speaker Justin Muturi.
Yesterday there was intense speculation about Ruto’s running mate, following news of a standoff as to who between Gachagua and Senator Kithure Kindiki is suitable to deputize Ruto.
The choice of Ruto’s running mate had centered on either Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki or Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.
The absence of Kindiki at Ruto’s residence could easily mean that he was uncomfortable with the decision reached by the DP.
In Tharaka Nithi County, a section of residents took to the streets to protest the exclusion of Kindiki Kithure as Kenya Kwanza running mate.
The residents could be heard chanting ‘Kama si Kindiki, Raila Tosha’ at what point their resolve to dump Kenya Kwanza for Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition.
