Ruto ‘dumps’ Kindiki, Kenyans react
Deputy President William Ruto has settled on Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate at the expense of reported favourite Kithure Kindiki, leaving Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) with varied reactions.
A number of Kenyans who commented on the matter believed Kindiki, a refined lawyer who defended Ruto when he was faced with charges against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) was a better option compared to Gachagua, a career civil servant.
Renowned lawyer Donald Kipkorir suggested Kindiki was left out because he did not have money to finance the Deputy President’s campaigns.
Prof. Kithure Kindiki was thrown under the bus by uda because his family is not known & he is not a Billionaire. uda told us many times it doesn’t matter your background but when it came to Kindiki, it was the only thing that mattered.
— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) May 15, 2022
A controversial blogger also waded into the debate, claiming Kindiki had been ‘shortchanged’.
What kind of glue is William Ruto using to keep his coalition partners silent, submissive and less divisive? Even when they are OPENLY short-changed, they don't shout. Kindiki Kithure walked away silently. Man has gone silent since.
— Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) May 15, 2022
Another Twitter user opined that Kindiki will be rewarded with a plum position should Ruto win the elections.
To the people of Tharaka Nithi, we need Kithure Kindiki as Kenya's next AG & then as Kenya's next CJ. After that we can even elect him as president. For all that to happen, Kenya Kwanza must 1st win on 9 Aug 2022. Right now, Rigathi Gachagua is a better mobilizer than Kindiki is.
— Nahashon Kimemia (@NahashonKimemia) May 15, 2022
Yet another user suggested, but without sharing proof, Ruto’s decision to settle on Gachagua was justified as he was more popular than Kindiki.
Rigathi is popular on the ground than Kindiki and that is a fact we all have to come into terms with.I wonder why Tharaka and Meru should be threatening us as if they will receive that position in Azimio.Nkt!
— Mairura Jared (@MairuraRatemo) May 15, 2022
Another user cheekily claimed Kindiki had been left out because he was a professional and less corrupt.
So Prof. Kithure kindiki can’t be named running mate because he is a man of integrity and professional. @WilliamsRuto had to get his pair.
— The Economist (@Malela__) May 15, 2022
Another one stressed the fact that Gachagua was more popular than Kindiki.
Rigathi Gachagua thrashed Kiture Kindiki in popularity. Kindiki is learned and was worth the post but his popularity doesnt go past Tharaka Nithi making him not the worthwhile runningmate. For Gachagua he is popular in all of central and is outspoken unlike the reserved Kindiki
— Shawn🕊️ (@Shawn_Tuesday) May 15, 2022
Another user felt that Ruto’s popularity was known long ago and even though he picked an actress or actor that did not water him down.
The name of Kithure Kindiki was mentioned just 2 weeks ago. Before that, the people supported Ruto unconditionally and they still do. Even if Ruto selected Mama Kayai of Vitimbi as running mate, his votes would remain intact. Stop your propaganda.
— Philosopher (@Philosopher254) May 15, 2022
Ruto’s move to name his running mate, according to Gachagua, was a culmination of months of consideration and consultations among various stakeholders, including grassroots leaders and politicians.
Interestingly, Kindiki skipped the event to crown Gachagua and promised to issue an extensive statement on Monday.