Kindiki, Gachagua Leave Ruto’s Karen Residence After Hours of Deliberations

The selection of Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate appears to have stalled.

Ruto was supposed to choose his deputy on Saturday morning, but the announcement was pushed to 1 p.m., then 3 p.m., and finally 5 p.m.

Sources indicated that Dr Ruto was supposed to pick between Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki or Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.

Negotiations failed to bear fruit, according to reliable sources, ending in the two leaders’ departure from Ruto’s official Karen residence.

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At around 5 p.m., Kindiki was the first to leave and 20 minutes later Gachagua’s vehicle was seen leaving.

Other leaders allied to the second-in-command were still holed up in a meeting at the “Hustler’s mansion” by the time of going to press.

According to sources, Gachagua and Kindiki went through a “nomination exercise” whose outcomes exacerbated divisions.

Journalists who had gathered at the DP’s mansion for the better part of the day were forced to pitch tent at the main entrance because they were not permitted in.

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Meanwhile, Gachagua’s supporters in Nyeri are demanding that the DP name their man as his running mate.

The furious protesters read malice in the “never-ending” negotiations. Others claimed the seat was reserved for the Mathira legislator.

A section of the protesters stated that if Gachagua is not on the presidential ticket then they would withdraw their support for Dr Ruto.

Social media users allege that the Kenya Kwanza camp has been playing mind games the entire day as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) deadline draws closer.

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Presidential candidates have until Monday to submit the names of their preferred candidates with the electoral commission.

Raila Odinga of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition party will apparently name his choice of running mate on Sunday at a rally in Kamukunji.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader who is taking a fifth stab at the country’s top job received the names of the top three running mate candidates on Friday.

It is said the three are; Martha Karua, Peter Kenneth and Kalonzo Musyoka.

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Word also has it that Kalonzo will go at it as an independent candidate should Raila not pick him as his running mate.

If the Wiper Movement party leader decides to run in the August polls, he is likely to be deputized by Baringo senator Gideon Moi.

Moi last week backed Kalonzo for the running mate post.

The Kanu chairman has also quit regional politics.