Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua is the Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate in the August polls on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Gachagua beat the likes of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Kandara MP Alice Wahome, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to the running mate post in mid-May.

As we head to the Deputy Presidential debate, one would ask; who is Gachagua?

Gachagua went through Kabiruini Primary School for his primary education before proceeding to Kianyaga High School for his secondary school education.

Unknown to many, Gachagua studied Political Science at the Marine Corps University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Literature from the University of Nairobi.

He is a former District Officer in Ngarua division in Laikipia and Kakamega having served during the Moi era before he left to work for his brother, the late Nderitu Gachagua, who was a governor for Nyeri County.

He started as an assistant secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Heritage in 1989, before being promoted to become a District Officer.

In March, Gachagua shifted from the Jubilee Party to join Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which is in the Kenya kwanza Alliance.

“I have officially left my former party Jubilee and joined the Party of the future UDA. I have paid the official fee to defend the Mathira Parliamentary seat on a UDA ticket. I invite all those who wish to unseat me to join UDA before tomorrow’s deadline and face me in the party nominations as they have no chance of beating me in the elections then they are using any party associated with Azimio,” he said.

Prior to his nomination, Gachagua had been at the forefront insisting that DP Ruto’s running mate in the August elections had to come from Mt Kenya region.

He had asserted his statement especially after Amani National Congress (ANC) joined Kenya Kwanza, with its leader Musalia Mudavadi being touted as an alternative candidate, at the moment.

Notably, Gachagua served as the Personal Assistant for President Uhuru Kenyatta between 2001 and 2006, when the latter was the Minister for Local Governments.

He is listed as a director for Ridor Group of Companies.