Rigathi Gachagua Moves to Tame Fallout in Kindiki's Backyard

From LEFT: Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President William Ruto, NA Speaker Justin Muturi, and Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua at a past event in Karen.
From LEFT: Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President William Ruto, NA Speaker Justin Muturi, and Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua at a past event in Karen.
DPPS

Deputy President William Ruto's running mate and Mathira Member of Parliament, Rigathi Gachagua, has promised Tharaka Nithi residents that their Senator, Kithure Kindiki, will be appointed to a plum government position in the event the Kenya Kwanza team wins the August 9 polls.

Speaking at a rally in Tharaka Nithi on Thursday, June 9, the Mathira Legislator stated that they would make the appointment despite the Senator stating that he would not seek any elective or appointive position after missing out on the running mate slot.

Gachagua added that Kindiki was being prepared for the top position following his appointment as Ruto's Chief Agent.

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua (right) and his wife Dorcas Rigathi in Karen on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua (right) and his wife Dorcas Rigathi in Karen on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Daily Nation

"We have appointed him as Ruto's Chief Agent and the top position that will go to Tharaka Nithi will be given to Kindiki," he stated.

During a press briefing on May 16, the Tharaka Nithi Senator stated that he would take a break from active politics to focus on other things.

This was after he failed to attend Gachagua's unveiling as the running mate at the DP's Karen residence.

"I have decided to take a break from active politics starting August 10. After soul-searching, I have decided to remain in UDA and the Kenya Kwanza alliance. I have pledged my total commitment to support Kenya Kwanza running mate Rigathi Gachagua and our party leader DP William Ruto," he announced.

After the nomination of Gachagua as the running mate, there was a fallout among leaders and voters in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region as revealed by the Mathira MP during an interview on Inooro FM on May 24.

His sentiments came after it reports indicated that Kindiki emerged as the winner in the electoral college vote.

Gachagua described the fallout as sibling rivalry adding that he did not have an abrasive personality as alleged by others.

"I have served the people of Mathira as their MP and no one has ever complained. The issue with other politicians can only be described as sibling rivalry. I am not an abrasive person but I am firm and actually a good listener," he stated.

Gachagua has been on the receiving end from a section of Ruto allies who have accused him of being too aggressive and inconsiderate with his sentiments.

Deputy President William Ruto (left) and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua at the Bomas of Kenya on Saturday, June 4, 2022
Deputy President William Ruto (left) and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua at the Bomas of Kenya on Saturday, June 4, 2022
DPPS