President William Ruto revealed the behind-the-scenes decision-making process that led to his selection of Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate during the 2022 general election. Despite not being the popular choice among leaders from the Mt Kenya region, Ruto explained why he went against the grain and chose Gachagua, despite the internal opposition.
Ruto shared that, during a meeting with Mt Kenya leaders at his Karen residence on May 15, 2022, the region’s leaders were unable to come to a consensus on who would be the best candidate for the position of deputy president. After several hours of intense discussions, the leaders suggested a vote, which Ruto accepted. The outcome of the vote saw Kithure Kindiki, now the current Deputy President, secure a significant 27 votes, while Gachagua only garnered five votes. Despite this, Ruto decided to choose Gachagua for the position.
“I had many options to choose from because I had worked with many leaders from Mt Kenya. I gave them an opportunity to discuss it and even voted on it. But after the vote, I took time to reflect,” Ruto said during the live interview at Sagana State Lodge.
Ruto’s decision to pick Gachagua, he explained, was driven by the need to avoid perceptions of sidelining senior leaders. Kindiki, a younger leader, had garnered strong support, and Ruto was mindful of the concerns from Mt Kenya that his team was favoring younger leaders. As a result, he chose Gachagua, who was closer to his age, in a bid to balance the ticket and prevent the region from feeling alienated.
The decision to select Gachagua, Ruto noted, was not just about numbers but about the broader political strategy and the need for inclusivity in his administration. Despite the initial resistance, Gachagua ultimately played a pivotal role in Ruto’s victory and his leadership of the country.
