Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua revealed how President William Ruto was conflicted in choosing the right candidate for the position of Principal Secretary in the Interior Ministry.
Speaking during ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo's homecoming on Saturday, January 14, Gachagua stated that the Rift Valley and Mt Kenya regions had expressed interest in the docket, further compounding the whole process of filling the important position.
According to Gachagua, the docket is close to the Head of State as it involves making critical decisions regarding the country's security.
However, Ruto decided to pick the current Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo from, Siaya County, to take over from Karanja Kibicho.
Despite their reservations, they decided to back Raymond for the PS position to work with the Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
"So people from Mt Kenya and Rift Valley had reservations on who should occupy the seat. That is a real deal in any government," Gachagua stated.
"It involves making critical measurements and looking at how a country is fairing. We had issues, but the President resolved to give that seat to Raymond Omollo," the second in command added.
While taking a swipe at Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Gachagua intimated that the seat was powerful compared to the 'deep state' the lawmaker had referred to in the run-up of the August 9 Presidential Election.
At the same time, Gachagua revealed that Ruto entrusted George Ng'ong'a Mcgoye as his Chief of Staff in a bid to show how much the head of state regards the region.
"The person responsible for almost everything in my office, without his approval, no one is allowed to see me, was given to George Ng'ong'a Mcgoye," Gachagua added.
He castigated Mt Kenya leaders who he insisted misled the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the August 2022, polls. The former Mathira MP added that some legislators from Mt Kenya promised Raila votes but they did not deliver.
Gachagua, however, promised to protect the interests of the former PM while he serves as the opposition leader.
