Why Kindiki Skipped Ruto’s Unveiling of Rigathi as Running Mate

Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki has explained why he was not present when Deputy President William Ruto announced Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate.

After several hours of debate on who should deputize him, the DP announced on Sunday, at his Karen residence in Nairobi that he had settled for Rigathi as his running mate.

Ruto was expected to announce his running mate on May 14 at 9 a.m., but the event was postponed to the next day.

Kindiki claimed to have received more votes from Mt Kenya MPs in the selection process than Rigathi, implying that there was more faith in his candidacy.

Read: Rigathi Hits Out at Karua as Kindiki Quits Active Politics

The senator, on the other hand, stated that the two variables were not the only ones that Ruto took into account when selecting his running mate.

When the deadlock lasted late into the night, Kindiki and Rigathi stated they let the deputy president choose his running mate on his own.

The crisis negotiations continued for several hours, he added, from Saturday to Sunday, and he and Rigathi departed Ruto’s Karen mansion at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday.

“We agreed on two things: that whatever decision he (Ruto) makes, now that the stalemate had persisted, either Rigathi or I would have to accept it,” Kindiki told Citizen TV.

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

Kindiki was not present when Ruto announced his running mate at his Karen home on Sunday morning. There was “miscommunication” about when the announcement should have been made, said the legislator.

“There was a miscommunication. When we left Karen at 3:30am, we had agreed that the announcement would be done after church. So, on Sunday morning I went to my regular place of worship. The deputy president also attended church service at his residence.

“The timing [of the announcement] is what I didn’t get correct.

“My church service delayed a bit. When I was in church, some of my colleagues (MPs) who were supporting me, texted and told me: ‘the announcement [on Ruto’s running mate] has just started. Where are you?”

Read Also: Rigathi Gachagua It is! Ruto Picks Running Mate

 “I thought we said the announcement would be made after church service. When I left the church, even before the service was over, I saw a missed call from the deputy president. I called him, but he didn’t pick. Then I went online and found he had started speaking.

“I then texted him, saying: ‘boss, I’m sorry I’m late, but it would look untidy of me to drive all the way from the NPC Valley Road to Karen, and arrive late’.

“I already knew what his decision was; he had already told me. He is a gentleman, and he couldn’t surprise me or Rigathi.

“I asked for his permission to be away [because I was already late to the event]. I told the deputy president: ‘proceed [with the announcement], and I’ll do the concession my way’. If I came late [given I was one of the two key frontrunners], that in itself would have been the news other than what brought us there. I am a disciplined Kenyan. I don’t believe when our presidential candidate is talking, and has an event that has started, I should show up,” he added.

Read Also: Raila Names Martha Karua as Running Mate

The lawmaker said he thought the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential candidate would make the announcement at around 1 p.m.

“After church, for me, was 12:30pm or 1pm after leaving Valley Road. The church service that the deputy president attended ended at around 10am; by 11am, they had started assembling and by 12 noon the process had started.”

Kindiki said he had come to terms with Ruto’s running mate pick and that he will completely support the presidential ticket before, during, and after the August 9 General Election.

On Monday, however, Kindiki told reporters that he will be taking a break from active politics after August 10.

Read Also: Kalonzo’s Wiper Seeks to Exit Azimio Over Running Mate Row

“I have decided to take a break from active politics starting August 10. I have decided not to seek any appointed position whatsoever.

“I have been in politics for 22 years and I am inspired by the philosophy that I would rather score for the team that will win. I am also inspired by the principle to never run away from history. I have always believed in making history.”