Speaking during an interview on Obinna TV on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Ichung’wah claimed that Gachagua became emotional and broke down in tears as the contest for the running mate position intensified within the then United Democratic Alliance (UDA) camp led by William Ruto.
According to the Majority Leader, internal opinion polls among Members of Parliament appeared to favour then Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, a development that reportedly unsettled Gachagua. Ichung’wah alleged that the former deputy president struggled to come to terms with the possibility of missing out on the coveted position.
“He broke down like a child when he realised things were not going his way,” Ichung’wah said, describing the tense atmosphere that characterised the negotiations.
The lawmaker recounted that as divisions deepened among key leaders, Ruto allowed Gachagua and Kindiki to retreat into a closed-door meeting to try and reach a consensus on who would deputise him. However, the two were unable to agree, prolonging the uncertainty within the camp.
At one point, Ichung’wah claimed, Gachagua walked out of the talks entirely and returned home with his family, even threatening to cross over to the rival Azimio la Umoja coalition.
The situation, he said, required urgent intervention from allies including Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who reportedly persuaded him to return to the negotiation table.
Ichung’wah further revealed that another crucial meeting was later convened by Ruto, bringing together Gachagua, Kindiki, Nyoro, and other senior figures in the Tangatanga faction.
Ichung’wah further revealed that another crucial meeting was later convened by Ruto, bringing together Gachagua, Kindiki, Nyoro, and other senior figures in the Tangatanga faction.
Emotions once again ran high during the discussions, with Ichung’wah alleging that Gachagua became overwhelmed and tearful for a second time.
The prolonged deliberations stretched late into the night without a clear resolution. With divisions persisting, the leaders ultimately resolved to leave the final decision in the hands of Ruto.
It was this decision, Ichung’wah noted, that paved the way for Ruto to eventually name Gachagua as his running mate—a move that would shape the outcome of the 2022 presidential race.
Ichung’wah also disclosed that he himself had been considered for the deputy president slot but declined the opportunity.
The prolonged deliberations stretched late into the night without a clear resolution. With divisions persisting, the leaders ultimately resolved to leave the final decision in the hands of Ruto.
It was this decision, Ichung’wah noted, that paved the way for Ruto to eventually name Gachagua as his running mate—a move that would shape the outcome of the 2022 presidential race.
Ichung’wah also disclosed that he himself had been considered for the deputy president slot but declined the opportunity.
He said he preferred to continue serving as a Member of Parliament rather than take up an executive role that might limit his independence.
“I made it clear that I wanted to remain in Parliament. I did not want a position that would restrict my ability to speak freely or hold the government accountable,” he explained.
His remarks offer a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes tensions, rivalries, and emotional stakes that defined the formation of Ruto’s presidential ticket.
“I made it clear that I wanted to remain in Parliament. I did not want a position that would restrict my ability to speak freely or hold the government accountable,” he explained.
His remarks offer a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes tensions, rivalries, and emotional stakes that defined the formation of Ruto’s presidential ticket.
The revelations are likely to reignite political debate, particularly given the evolving relationship between key figures who were once close allies.
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