Deputy President William Ruto has signalled he could pick either Rigathi Gachagua or Alice Wahome as his running mate.
The DP on Wednesday breached protocol to invite Wahome (Kandara) and Gachagua (Mathira) to speak after his address, signalling their rising influence in his camp. The last speakers traditionally carry considerable weight. speaking last is a sign of respect.
They spoke during the launch of Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Coalition in Afraha Stadium Nakuru. The event was attended by his new partners, Musalia Mudavadi of ANC and Moses Wetang’ula of Ford Kenya.
Wahome was the first to be invited by Ruto to the podium after his own speech, followed by Wetang’ula then Gachagua.
Musalia spoke last.
The rejigged protocol has triggered intense speculation the DP could be considering the two for his second in command as the battle for running mate in his camp intensifies.
Rigathi Gachagua anatosha, Alice Wahome anatosha, Moses Wetang’ula anatosha, Musalia Mudavadi anatosha, hustler anatosha
Deputy President William Ruto
It was also seen as a strategic move to assuage anxiety within his Mt Kenya turf, following his alliance with Mudavadi and Wetang’ula.
After the union was announced on Sunday, there has been speculation the DP could bypass vote-rich Mt Kenya and name Musalia as his running mate.
A running mate from Mt Kenya is considered a must by analysts and statisticians. Musalia could be the super minister and economic czar to salvage the economy.
In his speech, Ruto repeatedly referred to Gachagua and Wahome as he mentioned the key pillars of their Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
“Rigathi Gachagua anatosha, Alice Wahome anatosha, Moses Wetang’ula anatosha, Musalia Mudavadi anatosha, hustler anatosha,” Ruto said at intervals as he stirred the audience.
The DP has faced a barrage of criticism in Mt Kenya since Sunday’s partnership with Musalia and Wetang’ula with some claiming the region might be shortchanged.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, a key Ruto ally, on Tuesday said the DP should pick a woman running mate from Mt Kenya region, causingthe jitters in Ruto’s camp.
Wahome the Hustler’s Hustler
Wahome, a lawyer and a veteran politician, has gone against all odds to stand firm with Ruto and at one point, she clashed with President Uhuru Kenyatta as she defended the DP.
She said it would be an honour if she were to be chosen but she was focusing now on Kirinyaga county. She spoke on Spice FM.
Wahome, a lawyer and a veteran politician, has gone against all odds to stand firm with Ruto and at one point clashed with President Uhuru Kenyatta as she defended the DP.
She is seen as a resolute and unwavering politician in the DP’s hustler nation camp.
Gachagua, a former Uhuru aide, has emerged as a strong political force in the DP’s camp and has exploited his oratorical skills for elevation in the hustler nation.
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