Deputy President William Ruto has picked Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua as his presidential running mate in the upcoming August polls.
The Kenya Kwanza flag bearer made the announcement on Sunday at his official residence in Karen.
Ruto described Gachagua as “an astute debator, a successful elected politician who is a principled, resilient and fearless fighter for the right cause.”
He went ahead to state, “Gachagua is my friend whom I have worked with, especially on that Bottom-Up Economic model and we started that journey together. He understands people’s issues; he is passionate about ordinary people.”
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
DP Ruto
The DP further thanked the Senator for his support and said he will sign an executive order immediately after he assumes office that will outline the roles of the deputy president.
“The deputy president under Kenya Kwanza will perform real duties as assigned to him by the president,” said Ruto.
“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,” he furthered.
Gachagua, 57, has been a defender of DP Ruto and the UDA party presidential campaigns in the Mt Kenya region after he fell out with Uhuru.
Amog the members who were being considered for the Kenya Kwanza running mate were Ndindi Nyoro, Wahome Alice, Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi, and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru.
The alliance had faced a hard time for a choice after both Gachagua and Tharaka Nithi senator Kithure Kindiki maintained a hardline stance on the running mate slot.
The decision to settle on Gachagua was made after 17 hour talk and the announcement that was made in absence of Kindiki.
Dr Ruto is reported to have settled on Mr Gachagua but a majority of MPs from Mt Kenya were opposed to this.
Presidential candidates have until Monday, May 16 to submit the names of their running mates to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).