DP William Ruto Selects Kithure Kindiki as Chief Agent

Deputy President William Ruto and Mathira Member of Parliament Rigathi Gachagua in Nyeri on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
Deputy President William Ruto (right) and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua (left) in Nyeri on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
DPPS

Deputy President William Ruto has appointed Tharaka Nithi Senator, Kithure Kindiki, as his chief agent in the August 9 presidential vote.

Addressing the press after being cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest in the upcoming polls, Ruto informed the electoral agency that Kindiki will be the liaison person between Kenya Kwanza and the IEBC.

He informed the IEBC chairperson, Wafula Wanyonyi Chebukati, that in case of any communication, concerns or consultations, Kindiki will be there to handle such.

Kindiki will also be the one responsible for verifying Ruto's votes during the election.

Tharaka Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure (left) with Deputy President William Ruto (right) after attending a conference in 2019
Tharaka Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure (left) with Deputy President William Ruto (right) after attending a conference in 2019
File

"I have appointed a responsible professional liaison. Our Chief Agent, Kithure Kindiki, will be assisted by Veronica Maina and Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok. 

"I want to say Kenya Kwanza has confidence in IEBC. We are confident that you are up to the task. I want to commit that we will work with you diligently to have a credible free fair democratic and verifiable election. Anytime you need our cooperation or in any way our support, Mr Chairman, I want to tell you we are available," Ruto stated. 

The DP also urged IEBC to ensure the election is free, fair and verifiable, without hitches. 

"I want to ask all our supporters across the country that this is a moment of our right time and we must do everything to protect it from unnecessary sideshows.

"Let us keep our eyes on the goal and avoid unnecessary arguments," he added. 

Kindiki's new role comes nearly a month after the DP settled on Mathira MP, Rigathi Gachagua, as his running mate.

The Tharaka Senator noted that he faired better than Gachagua on all fronts, including the interview. However, Ruto's decision was based solely on his own discernment. 

"The process of identifying a running mate is a very new phenomenon in our country. So, as a party we used an array of methods. The first one was trying to figure out from opinion polls. We came to find out later that the party used secret opinion polls across the country to find out from our membership. 

"In the polls that were carried out by the party, it is true that I emerged the winner. The opinion polls were carried out in 10 areas in the Mt Kenya region and all over the country. I also emerged top of the electoral college vote but there were other considerations. The selection of a running mate is also a personal issue and he had so many issues which he considered and settled on Gachagua," the Senator told Citizen TV on Monday, May 17. 

IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati addresses 2022 presidential aspirants at a pre-candidate registration meeting at the  Bomas of Kenya on Monday, May 23, 2022
IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati addresses 2022 presidential aspirants at a pre-candidate registration meeting at the
Bomas of Kenya on Monday, May 23, 2022
IEBC
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