Kenya Kwanza coalition has not yet settled on who will be its running mate, Deputy President William Ruto’s campaign secretariat has said.
There have been reports that the coalition had settled on Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki as DP Ruto’s running mate.
However, DP Ruto’s campaign secretariat Director-General Josephat Nanok says the reports are mere speculations.
The Turkana Governor in a media briefing in Nairobi said the coalition that brings together about 13 political parties will soon be making its official position.
“What the media has been speculating that is not the position but we, however, cannot stop you from speculating but the official position will be coming up very soon,” Nanok said.
Kenya Kwanza, just like their competitors, Azimio la Umoja, has until May 16 to name a running mate.
While the DP Ruto-led coalition has been searching for its running mate behind the cameras, Azimio has opted to make the process more public – and Nanok notes that they are better off in making the decision.
“We are not as confused as the Azimio, they have a much bigger problem but ours is easier it has been left on the party to choose who is the presidential candidate of UDA,” he stated.
Aside from Kindiki, other names that have been floated as possible running mates to DP Ruto include National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, Mathira Member of Parliament Rigathi Gachagua, his Kandara counterpart Alice Wahome and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru.
Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi is also another individual being considered for the seat.
While Azimio has opted to set up a panel to pick a running mate, the Turkana Governor says Kenya Kwanza has left the duty on DP Ruto to make a judgment on who is a perfect fit.
“We don’t have a panel but we believe our presidential candidate is familiar with all the candidates and knows their strengths and weaknesses. We will go by his decision,” he said.
