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Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua has disclosed the method William Ruto used to pick him over Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki who was the clear favourite to be Kenya Kwanza’s presidential running mate.

Ruto settled on Gachagua even after the Kenya Kwanza selection panel overwhelmingly voted for Kindiki, the accomplished advocate garnered 24 votes from 30 leaders present.

The running mate selection process reportedly created a rift in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance as leaders allied to Kindiki felt cheated following Gachagua’s nomination as Ruto’s running mate.

Kindiki announced he would not seek any elective position in the forthcoming August 9th general election after Ruto settled on his rival.

Gachagua admits divisions

In an interview with a local vernacular TV station on Monday, May 23, 2022, Gachagua admitted that his selection by Ruto had divided Mt Kenya leaders.

“I had led these people for four years and we were okay then. We differed when this seat came up for grabs,” he said.

The Kenya Kwanza presidential running mate further explained why Ruto picked him over Kindiki even after the Tharaka Nithi Senator floored him in votes cast by Mt Kenya leaders.

“It is a personal decision by the presidential aspirant. He sought someone well known, compatible, who shares the same ideals, with proven value for friendship, that is how I defeated them,” he said.

Gachagua denies being authoritarian

The Kenya Kwanza running mate also dismissed the notion that he is abrasive, crude and authoritarian. He said people need not be afraid that he will unleash his traits to limit who gets closer to the President’s ear if Ruto wins the presidency.

“Ours will be an open-door-policy presidency where all will access the President. We have no intention to limit access to the seat of power.”

He further claimed that Mt Kenya leaders have so far accepted the facts of the matter and are now showing him support.

“They have accepted me as their deputy team leader and the ultimate Mt Kenya team captain,” he claimed.

Most political analysts faulted Ruto for picking Gachagua over Kindiki, the Mathira MP has graft cases pending in court which taint his reputation.

Ruto and his running mate face formidable competitors – Raila Odinga and Martha Karua – widely seen as anti-graft crusaders who are keen on ending corruption in the country once they ascend to power.

The Azimio la Umoja presidential hopeful and his running mate have vowed to weed out corruption in government if they win in the August General Election.

Speaking on May 15, 2022, when they toured Narok County to drum up support for their bid, Raila and Karua said corruption was one of the main problems ailing Kenya.

“I will see to it that the law is followed to the latter. Corrupt leaders have been stealing billions from our government every year and that has to stop,” Raila said.

The Azimio presidential candidate described his deputy as an astute and efficient lawyer as he exuded confidence that with her support they will fight the war on graft effectively.

“Martha is not a newbie in matters to do with the law, we will make sure that they end up in Manyani, Shimo la Tewa, Kamiti and Naivasha. I have been to those prisons and I can assure you that those kinds of people will have their prison experience. We want to change this country’s direction.”

Raila stressed that those who have looted from the state and taken the resources to offshore accounts would not be spared either.

“Everyone who has stolen public property will have no option but to return, even those who have hidden it abroad, it will be repatriated back.”

Karua on her part pledged to support Raila in the fight to weed out corruption and land injustices across the country.

“I do not play when it comes to working matters, and our government will be anchored on upholding justice for everyone in our society,” Karua said.