Speaking in an interview aired on Obinna TV on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Ichung’wah claimed that Gachagua became emotional and broke down in tears as internal discussions intensified over who would deputise William Ruto.
According to the National Assembly Majority Leader, the negotiations were marked by sharp divisions, with internal opinion polls among MPs reportedly favouring then Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki. This, he said, placed Gachagua under immense pressure as it became clear the outcome might not favour him.
“He cried like a child when he realised things were not going his way,” Ichung’wah alleged, describing the tense atmosphere within the camp.
He further explained that as disagreements deepened, Ruto allowed Gachagua and Kindiki to retreat into a closed-door meeting to attempt to resolve the matter between themselves.
However, the two leaders reportedly failed to reach a consensus, prolonging uncertainty within the team.
At one point, Ichung’wah claimed, Gachagua walked out of the negotiations and returned home with his family, even threatening to defect to the rival Azimio la Umoja camp.
At one point, Ichung’wah claimed, Gachagua walked out of the negotiations and returned home with his family, even threatening to defect to the rival Azimio la Umoja camp.
The situation, he said, required intervention from allies including Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who convinced him to return to the talks.
Ichung’wah noted that a subsequent meeting convened by Ruto brought together key figures, including Gachagua, Kindiki, Nyoro, and other senior leaders.
Ichung’wah noted that a subsequent meeting convened by Ruto brought together key figures, including Gachagua, Kindiki, Nyoro, and other senior leaders.
Emotions again ran high during the session, with the Majority Leader alleging that Gachagua once more became tearful as discussions intensified.
Despite hours of deliberations stretching late into the night, the team was unable to agree on a running mate. Faced with the stalemate, they resolved to leave the final decision to Ruto, who was expected to announce his choice the following day.
According to Ichung’wah, it was this process that ultimately led to Ruto settling on Gachagua as his running mate in the closely contested 2022 presidential race.
Ichung’wah also disclosed that he had been among those considered for the deputy president position but opted out of the process.
Despite hours of deliberations stretching late into the night, the team was unable to agree on a running mate. Faced with the stalemate, they resolved to leave the final decision to Ruto, who was expected to announce his choice the following day.
According to Ichung’wah, it was this process that ultimately led to Ruto settling on Gachagua as his running mate in the closely contested 2022 presidential race.
Ichung’wah also disclosed that he had been among those considered for the deputy president position but opted out of the process.
He said he preferred to continue serving in Parliament rather than take up an executive role that might limit his independence.
“I chose 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.
“I chose 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.
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