Nyeri County residents have demanded that the Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua be picked as the presidential running mate to Deputy President William Ruto.
Addressing the press on Saturday, May 14, they warned that they dump the Kenya Kwanza alliance if Gachagua is not named Ruto’s running mate.
Led by Nyeri UDA youth leader Kariithi Wambui, the supporters insisted that the first term MP is the suitable candidate to deputize Ruto in the coming August polls.
“The DP has been telling us hapangwingwi when he visits Mt Kenya. Today, he was to announce Gachagua as his running mate. What has happened now? Has he changed?” Wambui posed.
The group could be heard chanting” No Rigathi, No Ruto” after the Kenya Kwanza presidential aspirant failed to name Rigathi as his running mate.
On his part, Konyu MCA Eric Wamumbi alleged that there were plans by a section of Mt Kenya MP who are determined in fighting Gachugua running mate ambitions.
“We want to tell MPs from Mt Kenya that they will not be the ones to select a running mate,” Wamumbi said.
Others present during the meeting included Nyeri senatorial candidate Wahome Wamatinga, MPs aspirants Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), Duncan Maina Mathenge(Nyeri town), Wambugu Wainaina (Othaya).
Deputy President William Ruto was supposed to name his running mate today but after lengthy negotiation, the event seemingly hit a snag.
Ruto was to name his deputy on Saturday morning but the unveiling was pushed to 1 pm, later 3 pm, and eventually ended up not happening as at the time of publishing this article.
The choice of Ruto’s running mate had centered on either Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki or Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.
But after negotiations failed to bear fruits the two leaders could be seen driving away from Ruto’s official Karen residence a few minutes after 5 PM.
