Rigathi Gachagua: I’ll support DP Ruto to become president, then he will reciprocate

Kenya Kwanza deputy presidential candidate Rigathi Gachagua now says he is backing the alliance flagbearer William Ruto’s State House bid because the latter will, in turn, also support him.

Gachagua, speaking during the 2022 deputy presidential debate at CUEA on Tuesday night, dismissed the possibility of himself and DP Ruto quarreling amongst themselves should they win the August 9 polls.

According to the Mathira Member of Parliament, the differences and hostility being witnessed between DP Ruto and President Kenyatta was brought about due to what he termed as inferiority complex.

“At no time will William Ruto ever punish or mistreat me because he has no reason to. I’ll support him to be president, and he’ll reciprocate that support. Between me and him, we’re in agreement that we have no time to quarrel or disagree,” he said.

“We’re inheriting a dilapidated country; a country that is on its knees economically. We have no time for sideshows, personal differences, inferiority complex, and competition that is unnecessary. We have a job to do.”

Gachagua added: “We’re inheriting a Ksh.9 trillion debt; we’re inheriting 6 million young people who have no jobs; 14 million Kenyans are in CRB. We have such a huge task ahead of us that it is unimaginable that William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua will digress on personal issues and petty matters.”

The Kenya Kwanza running mate further alleged that the rift between President Kenyatta and DP Ruto was escalated by the Head of State not according his deputy the freedom he needed to complement his work.

Gachagua alleged that the country would be at a better place today if President Kenyatta had allowed DP Ruto top work with him during their second term in office, instead of allegedly bringing in perceived outsiders into the government.

“The situation between President Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto has not been brought because of ideological differences; it is because of inferiority complex. People must allow strong leaders to prevail, and you shouldn’t have a problem when your deputy is strong and sharp and focused. You should just be able to accommodate him and use that as a strength to serve the people of Kenya,” said Gachagua.

“Had President Uhuru Kenyatta, in his second term, allowed William Ruto to help him manage the affairs of this country, we would not be where we are today; where Kenyans have no food. If he had allowed Ruto to help him like the first time, all the stalled projects would be going on.”