Rigathi Gachagua, the deputy president of Kenya, explained how he convinced Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the interior cabinet secretary, to relinquish his post as second-in-command for him during a 17-hour standoff.

DP Gachagua asserted at a thanksgiving service on Sunday in Tharaka Nithi that he and CS Kindiki were President William Ruto's top choices while he was looking for his deputy.

According to DP Gachagua, President Ruto would have a tough time choosing a choice because they both deserved the job based only on merit.

"When the president was looking for a running mate, he noticed that both the Professor and I are capable, and he was left without a choice. The Professor and I both put in a lot of effort. Both the lecturer and I are sincere. We were stranded for over 17 hours "Gachagua claimed.


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Thus, President Ruto requested the pair to consult and decide who would hold the nation's second-highest state position.

DP Gachagua said that at their discussion, they decided that he would assume the position and that CS Kindiki would receive a lucrative state position.

While he praised Kindiki for consenting to the plan, he said, "He (Ruto) invited us to sit down with Professor, and we discussed. I told him I am a bit older, so niwachie mimi niendelee na wewe tukipata upatiwe engine kubwa.

Prof. Kindiki was among the most likely contenders to be a running mate during the political campaign season; however, President Ruto declared that DP Gachagua (then Mathira MP) had cut.

In addition to Kindiki and Gachagua, applicants for the position included Attorney General Justin Muturi, Water and Sanitation CS Alice Wahome, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.


DP Gachagua praised CS Kindiki for the work he is carrying out on his docket, mainly for how he addresses the banditry in Northern Kenya.

He expressed confidence that he would permanently subdue the threat, giving him the state's full backing.

"The president and I had not been let down by him. He is devoted and diligent in his work. He is making great efforts to combat banditry in Northern Kenya, and we are behind him. If he is successful, he will have earned the respect of the entire county."