VIDEO: Rigathi’s supporters chant ‘No Rigathi No Ruto’ as they allege foul play

A group of disgruntled supporters of Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua have been captured chanting ‘No Rigathi No Ruto’ as they claim that there are underhand plans to block the lawmaker from being picked as Ruto’s running mate.

Rigathi’s supporters, who have been camping at a Karatina Hotel in Nyeri county in preparation for Ruto’s running mate announcement, alleged that certain shadowy groups of wealthy men have commissioned Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah to ensure Ruto doesn’t pick the Mathira MP.

“Tunajua mpaka sai kuna wabunge, na nikitaja Kimani Ichungwa. Tunajua amepewa pesa na Kiambu Mafia ndio atupange kama Mt Kenya. Tunamwambia shetani ashindwe. Na tunasema sisi kama sio Rigathi hakuna kitu,” one of the group leaders is heard proclaiming as the crowd chants ‘No Rigathi No Ruto’.

Ruto set to announce his running mate

Deputy President William Ruto is set to name his running mate ahead of August 9 polls ending longstanding speculation on who will deputize him should he manage to succeed his boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Unlike in the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition that saw a panel of experts conduct the selection exercise, Ruto is expected to solely make the decision that will either build or collapse his ambitions.

Reports indicate that the second-in-command has been embroiled in deep consultations with the who is who in the country ahead of the announcement that is slated for today, May 14, 2022.

It is believed that his deputy will come from the vote-rich Mount Kenya region in a bid to galvanise his support in the vast region that has been rallying behind his presidency.

Although scanty details continue to surround his selection process, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, his Kiharu counterpart Ndindi Nyoro, Governor Anne Waiguru, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Tharakanithi senator Kithure Kindiki are among those said to be his possible running mates.

There have been divisions over who Ruto should choose with various groups expressing support for their preferred possible candidate but the ultimate decision will be made by Ruto who is also the head of Kenya Kwanza political divide that will be racing against Raila Odinga.

The announcement is expected to heighten political temperatures in the country with less than 100 days to the main polls.