August 9

Mudavadi salutes Gachagua for securing Ruto’s running mate post

Sunday, May 15th, 2022 16:46 | By
ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and DP Ruto. PHOTO/Courtesy
ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and DP Ruto. PHOTO/Courtesy

Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi was among the first Kenya Kwanza Alliance's high-ranking politicians to congratulate Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua for being nominated to be Deputy President William Ruto's running mate.

In his congratulatory speech, Mudavadi termed the development as "momentous", promising to rally support for Ruto and Gachagua.

"Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Rigathi Gachagua who will now deputise William Samoei Ruto in our quest to take over the leadership of this country on the 9th of August 2022. We have reached a point where we collectively own a decision, own a process and we shall now rally behind the Kenya Kwanza Presidential Candidate and the entire alliance with Rigathi Gachagua as the running mate," Mudavadi said.

"There were so many people, especially on the opposite side who were praying we make a mistake or have divisions in the process of reaching where we have reached, I’m sorry it has not happened."

Mudavadi was however not in the list of politicians who were eying the positions, despite being ranked highly and being promised 30 percent of Ruto's government in case they win the elections, according to a coalition agreement leaked to the public last week.

Others who were eying the position include Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Kandara MP Alice Wahome and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.

Gachagua and Kindiki were the only remaining candidates after others who had expressed interests shelved their ambitions. Kindiki did not attend Rigathi's unveiling event.

Governor Waiguru on her part promised to support Ruto and Gachagua, even though it was hinted that she missed the position "by a whisker".

"I would like to pass my congratulations message to our running mate Rigathi. As you’ve heard, I missed it by a whisker but I give my 150 percent support. I will stand and support DP Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua to win in the coming election," Waiguru said.

Muturi said that he was satisfied with the results, reiterating other leaders' clarion call to stand with Kenya Kwanza.

"I’m satisfied with the results and I want to congratulate my brother Rigathi Gachagua. We will ensure the message of hope that is embodied by this alliance becomes the clarion core of every Kenyan in every corner of the country," Muturi said.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula, who is also the Ford Kenya party leader, termed the move as the beginning of restoring the country's economy.

"Now we begin the illustrious journey on our last lap, to start the reconstruction of our country's economy and restoration of our people's aspirations and hopes, and above all, the restoration of Kenya's position as a team leader in this region," Wetangula said.

Ruto was expected to name his deputy on Saturday, May 14, 2022, but the announcement was postponed after an alleged standoff between Rigathi and Kindiki.

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