The Kenya Kwanza Alliance has finally named Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate in the August general election.

Ruto made the announcement on Sunday afternoon at Ruto’s Karen residence in Nairobi after a day's long wait on Saturday for the unveiling of his running mate.

"As my friend whom I have worked with, especially on the economic model that now has famously been referred to the bottom-up economic model. And we started that journey together. He understands people issues. He is passionate about ordinary people. My friend I present to you, the candidate Kwanza running mate candidate, my brother and friend Rigathi Gachagua," Ruto said.

While giving his acceptance speech, Gachagua thanked Ruto for entrusting him with the nomination and pledged to do his best.

"Dr. William Ruto. I said before you and country, I'm honoured by the responsibility and faith, you are bestowed on me...you have bestowed upon me, to be your running mate for the most defining election in Kenyan history. It is a responsibility; I take pride in knowing too well the...and esteem that my nomination occasions but most importantly, one that also humbles me that you put your trust in me," Gachagua said.

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Kenya Kwanza Alliance was scheduled to name its running mate on Saturday morning, but talks on a candidate to fill in the position as negotiations reached an impasse.

The announcement comes just a few hours ahead of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s Monday deadline for the submission of the names of the Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidates.


According to a recent Kenya Kwanza Alliance coalition agreement document that was submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties, the position of the deputy president was reserved for a candidate from the Mt Kenya region.

It was widely speculated that Ruto will choose his running mate from among Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua and Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki or Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru.

However, evidently missing from the briefing was the runner-up for the position of a running mate Kithure Kindiki.