NAIROBI, Kenya, May, 15 – Sunday, 15,2022 will go down in history as the day career administrator cum politician Rigathi Gachagua was unveiled as Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate in the upcoming general election on August 9, 2022.
The tough-talking politician’s apparent meteoric rise to Kenya’s national politics is said to have kicked off in earnest after being voted in as Mathira MP during the 2017 election under a Jubilee ticket. From there, his light on the political arena is said to have shone even brighter after the one-time friend turn foe and critic of President Uhuru Kenyatta ‘turned’ against his long-time politically ally.
His resolve to stand up against Kenyatta became clearer after the head of state ‘embraced’ his political nemesis, Raila Odinga on March 9, 2022, at the footsteps of Harambee House in Nairobi in what was seen as a political truce dubbed, ‘the handshake’.
Shortly after, Gachagua is said to have ditched, the Jubilee camp, joining Deputy President William Ruto’s would-be United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and later popularizing the latest political outfit that would go on to ‘shake up the country’s political landscape.
“I am honored by the responsibility and faith you have bestowed upon me to be your running mate for Kenya’s most defining election in Kenya’s history,” said Gachua when he was unveiled as Ruto’s running mate.
Gachagua has now pledged to take the country to the next level further saying that the Kenya Kwanza Alliance has what it takes to transform the nation’s economic fortunes.
Gachagua’s Education History
Gachagua, who is the brother of the late Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua was born in 1965 in Ruguru village, Nyeri county.
Between 1971 to 1977 he schooled at Kabiruini Primary School and obtained a Certificate of Primary Education. Between1978 to 1981 he went to Kianyaga High School and obtained his O- Levels Certificate. 1982 to 1983 he also obtained his A- levels at Kianyaga High School.
Gachagua between 1985 to 1988 while at the University of Nairobi obtained s Bachelor of Arts Degree; in Political Science and Literature.
In 1990 he went to the Administration Police Institute and received Paramilitary Training.
Employment History
1999 to 2000, Kenya School of Government, Advanced Public Administration Course
1997 to 1999, Office of the President District Officer I; In charge of Ng’arua Division, Laikipia District
1995 to 1996, Office of the President District Officer I; served in Kakamega District
1991 to 1993, Personal Assistant to the Head of Public Service
1990 1991 Office of the President District Officer Cadet
1989 to 1990 at the Ministry of Home Affairs & National Heritage he served as Assistant Secretary
Since 2000 he has served as a director at Ridor Group of Companies.
He also famously between 2001 and 2006 served as president Uhuru Kenyatta’s personal assistant who was the then Minister for Local Government.
Shortly after being unveiled as the Kenya Kwanza presidential running mate, Gachagua was immediately asked by DP Ruto to provide political leadership alongside MP Moses Kuria to the Kenya Kwanza’s economic team.
The team is expected to provide economic charters for all the 47 counties within 45 days ahead of the polls. They will be implemented if the team is elected into office.
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