Kindiki Reveals How He Beat Rigathi In Every Poll But Ruto Dropped Him
Outgoing Tharaka Nithi Senator Abraham Kithure Kindiki has explained for the first time why Deputy President William Ruto chose Mathira Member of Parliament Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate in the August 9 elections.
Kindiki explained to Citizen TV on Monday, May 17, that he outwitted Gachagua in all of the competitive areas used in the selection process, but Ruto sided with former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s aide.
Kindiki also stated that polls showed that he was the favorite of all the candidates for the position. He also mentioned how the Mount Kenya vote favored him during the selection process.
After a 17-hour standoff, Ruto decided on Gachagua.
“The process of identifying a running mate is a very new phenomenon in our country. So, as a party we used an array of methods. The first one was trying to figure out from opinion polls. We came to find out later that the party used secret opinion polls across the country to find out from our membership,” Kindiki stated.
“In the polls that were carried out by the party, it is true that I emerged the winner. The opinion polls were carried out in 10 areas in the Mt Kenya region and all over the country. I also emerged top of the electoral college vote but there were other considerations. The selection of a running mate is also a personal issue and he had so many issues which he considered and settled on Gachagua.”
Six people had applied for the position of running mate. Kandara MP Alice Wahome, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru, Kindiki, and, finally, the Mathira lawmaker were among them.
However, the race was reduced to two competitors: Kindiki and Gachagua.
Ruto’s intervention dimmed Kindiki’s running mate prospects while shining a bright light on Gachagua’s. The Mathira MP claimed to be charismatic, a great campaigner, and a mobilizer. As a result, he defeated Kindiki in the competition.
Following the decision, Kindiki stated that he will retire from active politics after the August elections. He also stated unequivocally that if Kenya Kwanza wins the presidential election, he will not accept any appointment.
“I have decided to take a break from active politics starting August 10. After soul-searching, I have decided to remain in UDA and the Kenya Kwanza alliance. I have pledged my total commitment to support Kenya Kwanza’s running mate Rigathi Gachagua and our party leader DP William Ruto.
“I will continue to play my role in the campaign and subordinate myself to the leadership of the party including my competitor, who is now the deputy president-designate,” Kindiki remarked.Â
