Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto has picked Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate in the August 9 Presidential Elections.
Gachagua is the Member of Parliament for Mathira Constituency in Nyeri County.
Ruto told the media on Sunday at his Karen Official residence that after a 17-hour meeting, Kenya Kwanza Alliance settled on Gachagua.
“I nominate my good friend Rigathi Gachagua to be my running mate in the August 9, 2022 presidential election,” Ruto told press, adding, “…because he is an astute debater, a principled, resilient and fearless fighter for the right cause.”
According to him, Gachagua understands people’s issues and is passionate about ordinary people.
“Gachagua is my friend whom I have worked with, especially on that Bottom-Up Economic model and we started that journey together,” he said.
He said the running mate process is underway and names to be submitted by Monday.
“Many highly qualified Kenyans were considered. Your first assignment as my running mate is that you and my brother Moses Kuria will offer political leadership to our economic team,” Ruto told Gachagua.
He added: “My deputy and I have agreed when it is time to leave we will leave and we will mentor other leaders in Kenya Kwanza formation.”
According to Kenyan media, Tharaka Nithi senator Kithure Kindiki, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Gachagua, were all in line for the spot.
Gachagua, 57, who landed the highly coveted position, is a UDA member who has also been central in Ruto’s behind-the-scenes political negotiations with partners, reported The Star.
He has been a fierce defender of DP Ruto and the UDA party and a critic of President Uhuru Kenyatta who oversaw Ruto’s presidential campaigns in the Mt Kenya region after he fell out with Uhuru.
“Thank you, your excellency, Dr William Ruto. I will not let you down, I will not let the hustler nation down and I will not let Kenyans down,” said on Sunday.
“I am honored by the responsibility and faith that you have bestowed upon me on the most defining election. This is one of the greatest days of my life and with humility, I thank God for the favor He has shown me,” he added.
Ruto earlier said the August 9 General Election presents a far-reaching moment for Kenyans to decide their destiny.
“It will be a vote to bring down the cost of living and to better the lives of millions of ordinary people. A vote for Kenya Kwanza will be a vote to create more economic opportunities for everyone.”
