With less than four months remaining before the next general polls on August 9, the two leading presidential candidates in the country are racing against time to pick their running mates.
Among those who have left the country guessing on their probable choices, are Deputy President William Ruto and his competitor and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga.
While all pointers indicate a likely choice from the Mt Kenya region for the two, the headache remaining is, who will be picked among those who have proved themselves worthy from the region?
Among those who have been rumoured as the most likely choices for DP Ruto from the region include Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, Alice Wahome (Kandara) Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) Kindiki Kithure (Tharaka Nithi) Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi.
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However, while speaking recently during his UDA campaigns to the Mt Kenya East region, Ruto sent a clear indication of who his running mate could be. While addressing huge UDA supporters at Chuka in Tharaka Nithi county Ruto singled out the county's Senator Kithure Kindiki as his most preferred candidate.
In a more suggestive tone, Ruto asked Tharaka Nithi residents to release Kindiki to him and allow him to work together in the national politics ahead of August. He described him as a fearless and courageous man who is fit for the mantle.
"Do you think this gentleman Kithure Kindi is good enough to work with me in arranging and strategizing for the next government? Is he not good enough to work with me at the national government? Anatosha ama hatoshi? Listen to me keenly, I ask you Tharaka Nithi people to allow this hero here to work with me ahead of August polls" stated Ruto as residents cheered in unison.
Ruto's remarks left many wondering whether the second in command was preparing the region for Kindi's uprising and eventually a running mate post.
It was thereafter that Ruto convinced Senator Kindiki to forego his Senate interests and instead focus on National politics with him. Ruto handed over the mantle to Mwenda Gataya and former Tharaka Nithi Governor Samuel Ragwa to battle it for the senate through UDA ticket.
This was eminent on Kindiki's major role during UDA party nominations. He was among the key personalities who were tasked with ensuring the process is peaceful across the country and kept the country alive with timely UDA party updates.
