political juggernauts

Kenya: Battle for Mt. Kenya votes led to Ruto and Raila’s choice of running mates

By Jeff Otieno

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Posted on May 31, 2022 08:56

Kenya’s top presidential candidates, William Ruto and Raila Odinga pose for a photo at the Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi, February 24, 2013. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya
Kenya’s top presidential candidates, William Ruto and Raila Odinga pose for a photo at the Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi, February 24, 2013. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya

After keeping Kenyans guessing for days, the two leading presidential contenders William Ruto and Raila Odinga named top politicians from Mt. Kenya as their running mates, proving how crucial the region is in determining the country’s next president. Who between the two will win over the region’s five-million-plus voters?

When they unveiled their running mates ahead of the 16 May deadline, Ruto and Raila singled out personal attributes and achievement in public service as the main factors that influenced their choice of deputy.

“He is a  fantastic grassroots mobiliser. A living example of a true hustler who rose from the hardship of the aftermath of our freedom struggle to the pinnacle of professional business and political success,” Ruto said in reference to Rigathi Gachagua.

With regards to his choice of former Justice Minister Martha Karua, Raila said: “This woman is a fighter and not a quitter. This woman has a safe pair of hands. This woman we offer as deputy president is also known to have credible credentials for the fight for our second liberation.”

However, what Raila and Ruto did not make public is the fact that their choice of running mate was influenced by the integral part that Mt. Kenya

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