Ngunjiri: Ndindi Nyoro and I shed tears pleading for Gachagua to become Ruto's running mate

Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri in a video clip that he posted online has allegedly recounted the events that led to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua being named President William Ruto's running mate in the runup to the 2022 General Election.

In the video, Ngunjiri reminds DP Gachagua of previous political differences that led to the eventual fallout of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his then-deputy Ruto, saying as leaders from Mt. Kenya and Rift Valley regions, they wouldn't want such history to repeat itself.

He said Mr Ruto had already made a promise that once he ascended to the Presidency, he wouldn't want to treat his deputy in the same manner as he was treated.

The former MP said President Ruto engaged heavily and interacted with the Mt Kenya residents during campaigns leading to the 2022 General Election which enabled him to get the majority of votes from the region.

"No one can say they led Mt Kenya people to Ruto. The President engaged himself with the Central Kenya people and changed the politics of the region," he said.

Ngunjiri highlighted the behind-the-scenes consultations that led to Gachagua being named Ruto's running mate which became the winning ticket that saw the pair triumph in the general election.

The former lawmaker said he was at the frontline in Ruto's Karen residence during the talks which culminated in the naming of Gachagua as the running mate.

According to Mr Ngunjiri, others who were present in the talks included Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, Mr Gachagua and President Ruto.

Shed tears

Ngunjiri claimed that he and Nyoro even shed tears as they defended Gachagua and insisted that the former Mathira MP was the most suitable to be Dr Ruto's deputy.

"The deputy president has now alienated Mr Nyoro and I despite fighting for him but we have no problem with that, We want to put Kenya first," he said.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during campaigns in Nakuru County on June 22, 2023. (Photo: Ndindi Nyoro/Twitter)

"We didn't hate Kindiki. We saw it fit that in order to get all the Mt Kenya votes at that time, we had to front Mr Gachagua," Mr Ngunjiri said.

"Therefore, I appeal to Mr Gachagua to avoid creating differences with the President and appear to be fighting his boss. There is nothing that cannot be solved through sitting down and having a discussion."

Mr Ngunjiri also appealed to the President to not let other people create disunity among members of his government.

"The President is a symbol of unity among Kenyans. He has to work with all Kenyans regardless of how they voted in the last election," he said.

"The President has tried to eliminate tribalism and this can be seen through the recent cabinet reshuffle and appointment of ambassadors. The appointments represented the face of Kenya.

He said the President has worked well in ensuring development is spread out equally across the country even in predominantly opposition regions.

The former MP also urged the people of Mt Kenya to remain united and not to fall into the trap of showing disrespect towards President Ruto.