By Jane Muia
The Amani National Congress (ANC) has dismissed Mathira member of parliament Rigathi Gachagua’s remarks that the Kenya Kwanza Alliance will front a running mate from the Mount Kenya region.
Gachagua had said that Deputy President William Ruto will be the candidate for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and his running mate would come from the Mount Kenya region.
“We have our National Delegates Conference (NDC) on the 15th of March to unveil our presidential candidate William Samoei Ruto, other things will follow,’’ Gachagua said in a tv interview.
The ANC party issued a statement dismissing Gachagua’s remarks saying he had no power to speak on behalf of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, adding that the party is yet to decide who will be the flagbearer as well running mate and unveil them at an appropriate time.
“Rigathi Gachagua has no authority to speak for Kenya Kwanza on the matter hence his sentiments are premature, untimely, and unwarranted. Kenya Kwanza Coalition has not decided on its’s presidential and running mate candidates. This will help and be unveiled at an appropriate time by our principals Musalia Mudavadi, Dr. William Ruto, and Moses Wetangula,’’ ANC Secretary-General Simon Gikuru said.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula issued a response to Gachagua’s remarks on his social media on Tuesday, March 1 claiming that the alliance is looking at ensuring better services to Kenyans as well as the creation of an equitable society rather than the distribution of positions among their principals.
Meanwhile the deputy president Dr. William Ruto is in a tough situation in ensuring he maintains the Mount Kenya region support by choosing a running mate from the region.
Some leaders from the Mount Kenya region including governors Mwangi wa Iria (Murang’a), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), the service party leader Mwangi Kiunjuri, Tharaka Nithi senator Kithure Kindiki, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi have been mentioned as running mates.
On the other hand, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula have been shown to be eyeing the seat.