United Democratic Alliance (UDA) supporters burst into song and dances to celebrate Rigathi Gachagua’s nomination as William Ruto’s running mate in the presidential election on August 9.
The prayer meeting in Eldoret at the TAC centre was interrupted by the live broadcast of Ruto’s address, which was followed by song and dance.
The UDA nominees and officials joined the throng in song and dancing, led by Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago and Kericho Senator Harun Cheruiyot.
“We are happy that the DP had finally named his running mate and we will stand with Kenya Kwanza all the way to victory,” Mandago said.
The governor and Cheruiyot both stated that they fully backed the DP’s decision, which they described as prudent.
“He has been steadfast and committed to the bottom-up economic policies and proved to be a national leader,” Mandago said.
However, there were protests in Tharaka Nithi over Kithure Kindiki’s exclusion as running mate raising questions over his absence at DP’s residence in Karen.
Kenya Kwanza Alliance had faced a stalemate after both Gachagua and Tharaka Nithi senator Kithure Kindiki maintained a hardliner stance on the running mate slot.
But after the 17-hour talks, the alliance settled on Gachagua, an announcement that was made in absence of Kindiki.
In his speech, the DP had said that they had come up with an economic forum that is to be held across Kenya as that is their priority once they get hold of the office after the August polls.
Gachagua was on the spot given his first task which is to work with Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria to offer political leadership to the economic team.
