Kindiki cites miscommunication, poor timing for skiving Gachagua’s unveiling as Ruto’s running mate
Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki has cited miscommunication and poor timing for skiving the unveiling of Kenya Kwanza Coalition’s presidential running mate at Deputy President William Ruto’s official residence in Karen over the weekend.
While speaking to a local television station, Kindiki who was shortlisted as a potential running mate candidate said the discussion to determine who would be the best candidate to deputise Ruto ended about midnight, and that he left Ruto’s home in Karen around 4 am on Sunday.
“In the morning, I went to my regular place of worship, and I think the DP went to a church within his residence. But my church service was delayed a bit.
“I saw a missed call from my party leader, I called back, but he didn’t pick… I knew that the decision had been announced,” he explained.
A number of Mount Kenya leaders had hoped that Kindiki would be chosen as Ruto’s running mate, but the Kenya Kwanza decided to give Gachagua the job following a 17-hour meeting.
Kindiki also announced his retirement from active politics on Monday, effective August 10, 2022.
He stated that he would not be equally available for any appointment, but that he would campaign for DP Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza team.
He further highlighted: “I don’t know the language of quitting. I will stay put. I will stay focused. I will speak out and will stay loyal to my friends.”
“That is not quitting. I am taking a break and during that interruption, I’ll reorganise myself and come again,” he said.
Narrating his 10-year journey in politics, he said when he left what he termed as an illustrious career in academia and as a technocrat to seek an elective post, his desire was to serve his country and apply his talents from the platform of elective politics.
“So, I want to confirm that my next step for those who have been asking what I’m planning – I’m sorry if I’ve disappointed anybody. I am very proud of my supporters.
I am very proud of my electorate, and I am very proud of how far Kenyans have travelled in terms of making it possible,” he reckoned.
Kindiki, a former Senate Majority leader and Deputy Speaker, thanked his colleagues in the party, especially the Members of Parliament both the National Assembly and Senate, “who have been critical segments in this process. They did play a huge role in that process.”
“And I know a good number of them did support my candidature and as I said at the beginning, it is unlikely and it is actually unprecedented that a senator from my most unlikely corner of this country could get that kind of support from peers or come from far and wide. My colleagues, I am truly grateful,” he said.
“And I know God willing, we will have an opportunity – one day, and that day, shall not be too far away,” he held.
