Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has responded to DP Ruto’s decision not to nominate Senator Kithure Kindiki as his runningmate for the August 9 Presidential race.
In a statement via his Official Social Media Pages on Sunday evening, Prof. Kindiki promised to make an official statement on Monday, even as he expressed his gratitude to his supporters and Kenya Kwanza Alliance members for their support.
“I am eternally grateful to all those who supported and vouched for me to be named the UDA and Kenya Kwanza Alliance deputy presidential candidate for the August 9, 2022 elections. Following the decision taken by my party and the coalition, I will make my official statement tomorrow (Monday),” Prof Kindiki said.
Kindiki was conspicuously absent from DP Ruto’s Karen event, where Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua was unveiled as the Kenya Kwanza Presidential runningmate.
Although Dr. Ruto had earlier described the process as easy and one that would not cause him sleepless nights, he confessed that there was 17-hour standoff on Saturday at his Karen residence as the anticipated announcement of his running mate failed to materialize.
While Ruto had no problem settling for either Gachagua or Kindiki, a majority of Mt Kenya MPs in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance rooted for Prof. Kindiki.
Alternatives to the two were also floated as compromise candidates to ease the standoff, including Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Speaker Justin Muturi.
While unveiling Hon. Gachagua, Ruto heaped praises on Professor Kindiki, terming him a long-time friend and partner who disentangled him from the ICC case at the Hague.
“I sincerely thank my lawyer and friend Abraham Kithure Kindiki who became the runner up in this process. Though absent from this event, he brought a lot of passion to this contest, “Dr. Ruto said.
Governor Njuki Speaks
Prof Kindiki, from Tharaka in the larger Meru region, was seen as an answer to the historical grievance within Mt Kenya East against their Mt Kenya West ‘cousins’.
He had initially declared his intention to unseat Governor Njuki, but shelved his ambition after the much-publicized Kathwana rally attended by DP Ruto last year.
“I know the people of Tharaka Nithi greatly love this gentleman Kithure Kindiki. But I am now requesting that you allow me work with him in the National political sphere.” Ruto said.
Those who vouched for him say he was best placed to complement Dr. Ruto’s aggressive character, and would make a great diplomat as the country’s number two should the DP win the August polls.
Speaking on Sunday afternoon, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki urged residents to take DP Ruto’s decision positively, expressing hope that Kindiki would get a major cabinet appointment.
“Let us not become bitter. We all remember that Tharaka Nithi has never produced any Cabinet Minister since independence. We are hopeful that Dr. Ruto will give us one of the best ministries.” Njuki says.
Njuki was speaking at a Church service at PCEA Gaciegoki Church in Igambang’ombe ward.
The author is a Digital Strategist. He occasionally writes on matters Technology, Politics and Health
