List of People Being Considered For Ruto's Running Mate- Murkomen

From left: DP William Ruto, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Governor Alex Tolgos
From left: DP William Ruto, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos at an event in 2018

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed a list of high profile politicians being considered to be Deputy President William Ruto's running mate.

Speaking during a TV interview on Tuesday night, May 4, 2022, Murkomen stated that he learnt about the names since DP Ruto was having wide consultations with various stakeholders.

The Senator divulged that some of the people that were being considered for the running mate post include Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, Speaker Justin Muturi and Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen addressing the media at a past function.
File

The Elgeyo Marakwet lawmaker stated that at some point the DP and his team were also considering Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as a running mate before he joined Azimio La Umoja.

"There was a time Kalonzo was being discussed before he made a choice that if it was possible for him to team up with William Ruto it was not possible for him to become a running mate," Murkomen stated.

Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua was also a big contender in the running mate conversation with DP Ruto's team but she also opted to support ODM party leader and Azimio La Umoja presidential flag-bearer Raila Odinga.

Murkomen further stated that the team also discussed Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula for the position of deputy president but that conversation ended.

"I believe, in terms of people I have mentioned their names can make a fantastic deputy president. I know only one person will be considered because the presidential candidate will have various considerations to make," he stated.

"The deputy president can surprise us. You have heard me mention gentlemen but you didn't hear me mention that our sister Alice Wahome has also been mentioned, Anne Waiguru was mentioned and at some point, Susan Kihika was also mentioned."

Last week, Gachagua, stated that the Kenya Kwanza coalition's formula for choosing the running mate is a reserve of their presidential aspirant, William Samoei Ruto. 

Deputy President William Ruto and MP Rigathi Gachagua campaigned in Nakuru county on Saturday, March 19, 2022.
Deputy President William Ruto and MP Rigathi Gachagua campaigned in Nakuru county on Saturday, March 19, 2022.
DPPS

He noted that the coalition had resolved to leave the task in the hands of the Deputy President and they will all support his pick.

According to Gachagua, Ruto is ready to announce his running mate within the timelines provided for by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Presidential aspirants have until May 16 to name their running mates, after IEBC moved the date from April 28 following petitions from a section of politicians, including the Azimio team.