Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has provided clarification regarding President William Ruto’s recent statement about the potential inclusion of a female running mate in future political endeavors.
Addressing the public in Embu during the commemoration of International Women’s Day, Gachagua emphasized that many individuals misinterpreted the President’s remarks. He clarified that Ruto’s intention was to consider having a female running mate after the completion of his second term in office.
“Tutaendelea kuongea vile kule mbele akina mama watashirikishwa katika uongozi kwa serikali kuu wakiwa na nyadhifa ambazo ziko na uzito. Wengine hawakuelewa Rais alisema ataniongelesha tuwapange pale mbele tukimaliza mambo yetu. Walikuwa wanafikiria ni sahii. Lazima mngoje nimsaidie rais kwa kipindi chake ikifika kutamatisha rais mwenyewe atatuongoza na kutuonesha vile tutapanga hawa wamama,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua reassured those speculating about the 2027 election that they would need to wait for further direction, indicating that Ruto would provide guidance once he concludes his second term.
President William Ruto pledged his commitment to ensuring gender balance within his party’s leadership structure. During the launch of the G7 Council Women Governors Caucus Strategy event at Safari Park, Ruto outlined his intention to prioritize women’s representation.
He stated his agreement with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that, moving forward, the party would ensure that if a male candidate runs for President, the running mate must be a woman, and vice versa. Ruto emphasized that this approach aims to support women and facilitate the realization of the two-thirds gender rule.
“We will do this not because we want to do anything against men but because we want to balance so that we all move together,” affirmed the President.
