Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has claimed that William Ruto’s 2022 presidential running mate Rigathi Gachagua has been indirectly campaigning for the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga ahead of the August polls.
Taking to Facebook on Monday, May 30, Kinyanjui alluded that Gachagua has been an asset to Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.
“God works in mysterious ways, so they say. In the political context, never has it been demonstrated better than in recent weeks.
“The choice of Rigathi Gachagua by the yellow team was God sent. He has turned out to be the single most important asset to the rival team.” Kinyanjui said.
The governor noted that Rigathi’s campaign approach especially his public pronouncements has seen Raila’s popularity increase with 70 days to the election.
“His creative and bold approach to campaigning for his opponent is very ingenious. This has come to be known as the ‘Rigathi effect’ when the choice of your opponent becomes exceedingly beneficial to your campaign.” the governor said.
Kinyanjui, who is battling to retain his Nakuru gubernatorial seat opined that the 2022 presidential election was settled during the naming of a running mate.
“There is no doubt he will marshall more votes for baba than any other single politician. As I have already stated, the election was won or lost at the running mate level.” Kinyanjui added.
Kinyangui’s sentiments mirror that of COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli who recently said that every time Gachagua talks, Ruto loses 500,000 votes.
“Martha Karua is indeed a game-changer unlike her equivalent elsewhere who when he opens his mouth 500,000 votes disappear!” Atwoli said on Twitter.
Sentiments by Kinyanjui come after a clip surfaced online where William Ruto’s 2022 presidential running mate is heard warning the Rift Valley residents against voting for independent candidates in the coming August polls.
Although Kivumbi.co.ke is yet to authenticate the video clip, Gachagua warns that Kenya Defense Forces will only recruit from constituencies with UDA elected members.
Recently, the Kenya Kwanza alliance presidential running mate also caused uproar after he suggested that big companies such as Safaricom and Kenya Airways should be sold and proceeds given to smaller traders.
