Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that DP William Ruto has picked Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate for the Hustler Nation ahead of presidential election. (Read More Here).
William Ruto confirms: “Join me and other Kenya Kwanza team in welcoming and congratulating Rigathi Gachagua for ascending to the position of the Running-mate for the Hustler Nation. Hon. Gachagua has the requisite drive, knowledge and stamina to help us transform our country.”
Mr Gachagua is facing trial on charges of corruption and money-laundering worth $65m (£53m), which he denies.
He is from Kenya’s largest community, the Kikuyu, whose support is vital in Kenya’s ethnically charged elections.
For the first time since independence, neither of the favourites is Kikuyu.
Mr Ruto’s main rival, opposition leader Raila Odinga, was also due to announce his running mate on Sunday but has delayed it until Monday – the deadline set by the electoral commission.
On Saturday, residents of Mr Gachagua’s hometown protested at delays in naming Mr Ruto’s running mate.
With no prominent Kikuyu politician running for president in the coming elections for the first time in history, the choice of a running mate is seen as crucial, and has been dominating headlines and social media.
Both Mr Ruto and Mr Odinga have set their eyes on the Central region which is expected to have a big say in who becomes Kenya’s next president.
Politicians from the area have insisted that whoever gets into State House must guarantee the interests of the community.
Ethnic Kikuyus, and people from the wider Central region, have massive influence on both the economy and politics.
Candidates know that their support on 9 August will be crucial.
