‘No Rigathi, No Ruto’ Chants Dominates In Nyeri After 11-Hour Stand-off on Ruto’s Running Mate
Supporters of Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua are outraged that the first-term MP will not be chosen as Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate in the August elections.
Following the developments on television, a group of Gachagua supporters set up camp at a hotel in Karatina, Nyeri County.
Following reports that the MP had not been chosen as Ruto’s running mate, supporters were heard chanting “No Rigathi, No Ruto.”
Gachagua supporters have threatened to leave the Kenya Kwanza Alliance if their preferred candidate is not chosen as DP’s running mate.
Nyeri UDA youth leader Kariithi Wambui led the group of supporters in insisting that Gachagua is the best candidate for the running mate seat.
“We want to tell MPs from Mt Kenya that they will not be the ones to select a running mate,” Wamumbi said.
MCA Konyu Eric Wamumbi also weighed in on the allegation, claiming that the only agreement they are aware of is the one that will reveal Gachagua as the running mate.
“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.
Other attendees included Nyeri senatorial candidate Wahome Wamatinga, MP aspirants Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), Duncan Maina Mathenge (Nyeri Town), and Wambugu Wamatinga (Othaya).
On Saturday, May 14, the much-anticipated announcement of Kenya Kwanza’s running mate resulted in an 11-hour stalemate at Deputy President William Ruto’s residence.
The standoff culminated with Hussein Mohamed, the Director of Communications for Ruto’s Presidential Campaign, holding a press conference in the early hours of Sunday morning, May 15, to seemingly signal the end of the day-long talks.
“Kenya Kwanza alliance had a series of meetings today, where several matters were discussed; development of county chatters, programs on Bottom up economic policies as well as the extensive discussions on the runningmate issue. The decision will be communicated to you today,” he assured.Â
According to media reports, six candidates were chosen in the early hours of Saturday morning. Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, and Kandara MP Alice Wahome are among them.
What appeared to be a simple decision for the Kenya Kwanza coalition turned into a day-long process after the candidates were reduced to two: Gachagua and Kindiki.
According to sources close to the situation, the factors considered for the selection of the runningmate include political experience, voting dynamics, loyalty to the Kenya Kwanza coalition, and chemistry with Ruto.
The impasse sparked a brawl between supporters of the two candidates, each of whom was adamant that their candidate be given the slot.
According to reports, both candidates stormed out of Deputy President William Ruto’s Karen residence, citing disagreements over the prime position.
Insiders told Kenyans.co.ke that DP’s Kenya Kwanza had already chosen a running mate, but the Mathira MP’s last-minute demands caused a further stalemate.
According to insiders, Gachagua made it clear last week that he would not accept anything less than the Interior Ministry if the DP Ruto-led team won the August 9 elections.
When it comes to development and policies, however, a section of Ruto’s team preferred Kindiki over his calm and collected demeanor and impressive resume.
The choice will be one of the defining moments for the Kenya Kwanza coalition before the deadline set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission on Monday, May 16. (IEBC).
