Ndindi Nyoro fronted as Ruto's possible running mate

 

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro alongside a section of Tangatanga MPs during a press conference at Parliament buildings in Nairobi on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 [David Njaaga, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto will hold a meeting in Murang'a, just a week after Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga holds a meeting there on Saturday.

Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata confirmed that there will be a meeting on February 6 at Mumbi Grounds, but refused to divulge more details, only saying a major announcement will be made.

"Ruto will indeed be the chief guest on the said date but we can't disclose the agenda at this time. Let the country wait for the announcement," said Kang'ata.

According to those in the know, youthful Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro may emerge as a major beneficiary of the February 6 meeting at Mumbi Grounds.

According to an MP who requested anonymity, Nyoro could be named as Ruto's running mate.

"There is a likelihood that Raila will not pick a youthful running mate and for this reason Nyoro suits the bill. We could not settle on Kimani Ichungwa since he hails from Kiambu which has produced two presidents and in Nyeri where MP Rigathi Gachagua is a bit old and the county has produced a president for two terms," said a UDA leader from Mt Kenya.

Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura said there is no doubt that the DP post is reserved for Mt Kenya region but was however quick to say that he was not privy on reports that Nyoro will be picked.

When reached for comment, Nyoro declined to be drawn into discussing the matter.

"Whereas positions are important, the welfare of the people of Kenya is more important. The preoccupation of Hustler Nation at the moment is about the state of our economy and how to resuscitate all the sectors," Nyoro noted.

The picking of Nyoro could counter picking of Peter Kenneth by Murang'a, who also hails from Murang'a. It is believed that Kenneth if favoured by the middle-aged electorate but Nyoro may influence the youthful voters who may be voting for their second or first time.

To date, Nyoro has not declared whether he will be defending his parliamentary seat which is being targetted by Karanja Mburu Wamatangi and scholar Dr Judy Makira. The MP has been engaged in national politics ,especially campaigning for Ruto's presidential ambitions.

He only attends grassroots meetings to issue bursary cheques and launch renovated classes. But instead of pleading for votes to secure his reelection, he always reminds the electorate that Ruto is the best presidential candidate to succeed Uhuru Kenyatta.

However, Edward Muriu a member of the UDA's National Executive Council (NEC) said Ruto's running mate will be named at the most opportune time. "We are weighing in all factors, all candidates and all options but we shall do our things calculatingly but with utmost certainty to make sure we get it right and get into State House by August," Muriu added.

Others seen as possible Ruto's running mates from Mt Kenya region include Rigathi, Ichungwa, and Alice Wahome (Kandara).

Those in UDA inner circle said although Ruto and Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi are in the process of forming an alliance, the DP post will be reserved for Mt Kenya region while Mudavadi and his close allies will be given key slots should Ruto form the next government.

The talk of picking Nyoro as Ruto’s running mate comes after Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi announced plans to work with Ruto ahead of August polls.

Some pundits however feel the issue may be a well-choreographed strategy to assure the Mt Kenya region not to disintegrate after Mudavadi/Ruto alliance.

Dr Judy Makira a lecturer at Embu University noted opined that the talks of Nyoro deputizing Ruto was only meant to manage the restless region where Ruto depends on accelerating his chances of succeeding the resident. “I don’t think he foots the bill, the issue is a counter-strategy to manage Mt Kenya region and especially Muranga where Kenneth hail from. After some time the claims will fade away,” Dr Makira noted.

The choice of running mate seems to be a hot debate in Ruto's circles since Gachagua has been angling for the same position.