William Ruto announces Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua as his 2022 running mate

The deputy president William Ruto after lengthy discussions that lasted over 17 hours within the Kenya Kwanza coalition has chosen to settle on Mathira Member of Parliament Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate for the August 9 presidential polls.

The DP addressing journalists from his Karen residence said the discussion on the subject of the running mate was extensive and robust considering the deadline by the independent electoral and boundaries commission (IEBC) to have the running mates for the candidates declared by May 16.

The DP described Gachagua as an excellent debater, businessman and a living example of a true hustler and a fearless fighter for the right course

“In the end the consensus pointed out to an individual who scored excellent points on every evaluative parameter, an astute debater with persuasive ability, a fantastic grass root mobilizer and tireless political operative,” the DP remarked.

Rigathi Gachagua and DP Ruto Rigathi Gachagua and DP Ruto Pulse Live Kenya

The deputy president lauded other shortlisted candidates for the slot who included Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, Kandara MP Alice Wahome, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Kirinyaga governor Ann Waiguru who the deputy president said missed the slot by a whisker and Tharaka Nithi senator Kithure Kindiki who was the runners up in the contest.

"I want to tell my younger brother Ndindi Nyoro, you have a bright future ahead of you and we shall work together. Alice Wahome is among the formidable women we have in Kenya Kwanza. Thank you my sister, the future is wide open," the DP stated.

The DP said in his first 40 days in office he would sign an executive order that would give the deputy president more duties other than the ones designated in the constitution.

He added that he would also sign an executive order clearly outlining the duties and responsibilities of the deputy president.

Kenya Kwanza presidential hopeful Dr William Ruto Pulse Live Kenya

The deputy president handed Gachagua his first task which is drawing up a road map of how the coalition will pick charters from all the counties that will present their top agendas so that the coalition can kick start its work upon election.

"You will provide for us a context on how we will have the charters from all the counties. Kenya Kwanza intends to sign a charter with all the counties on their priority agenda so that we hit the road on day one," he stated.