Revealed: Positions Mudavadi, Wetangula will hold in DP Ruto’s government

By Joshua  Cheloti With the clock ticking towards the timeline for the naming of running mates by candidates eyeing the presidency in the August 9 poll, it is emerging that ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi is not among the people being considered for the position. Allies of Mudavadi have been pushing that he be named as Deputy President William Ruto’s number two within the Kenya Kwanza coalition. However, it has been revealed that the DP has already made up his mind to pick a running mate from the vote-rich Mount Kenya region. Individuals close to DP Ruto say both Mudavadi and Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula have been informed of the decision not to name any of them as his running mate. “DP has told the two that he cannot afford to lose a single vote from Mount Kenya hence his decision to pick his number two from the region,” an aide close to the DP is quoted by The Star. However, sources close to the UDA party leader say Mudavadi has been promised the Finance Cabinet Secretary position – should Kenya Kwanza win the August poll. Wetangula, who is eyeing the Bungoma Senatorial seat, on the other hand, is said to have been promised the Senate Speaker position. Aside from the positions the two will be handed, it is reported that 30 percent of the Kenya Kwanza government will be reserved for them. ANC and Ford Kenya are the founding members of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, which currently has at least 12 different political parties, which reports indicate, will share the remaining 20 percent of the government amongst themselves.   With the running mate position now assured for an individual from Mount Kenya, there are a number of politicians from the region tipped to get it. They include Mathira Member of Parliament Rigathi Gachagua, Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru, Taraka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, and National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi. Kandara MP Alice Wahome who is also among the possible DP Ruto running mates asked about when the individual will be named said, “We shall unveil the running mate with time. You will just know with time. Talks are on.” “Ruto has narrowed down his options to a few people. He is now looking to see who might help galvanize his support not just in Mount Kenya, but across the country,” added a close ally of the DP from Rift Valley who asked for anonymity.