Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that President William Ruto once supported a move to deny Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa the UDA senatorial ticket ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Gachagua made the remarks on Thursday, March 12, while speaking during a condolence visit at Karungo’s home in Ruiru following the death of the senator’s mother.
IEBC Disqualification Issue
According to Gachagua, Karungo Thang’wa nearly lost his chance to run for the Kiambu Senate seat after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) barred him from contesting.
The electoral body reportedly argued that he was not eligible to run after being impeached together with former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
Following the decision, several politicians within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) reportedly began pushing to take the party ticket.
Isaac Mwaura Allegedly Considered
Gachagua claimed that government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura was among those eyeing the seat and that Ruto and then UDA Secretary General Veronicah Maina had already agreed to hand him the ticket.
“The IEBC had stated that Karungo was not eligible to run since he had been impeached alongside Waititu. Many people were waiting for that ticket, and Ruto together with Veronicah Maina had decided to give it to Isaac Mwaura,” Gachagua alleged.
Gachagua’s Intervention
The former deputy president said he intervened after learning about the situation. He advised Karungo to seek legal representation and challenge the IEBC decision.
According to him, lawyers assured them that the case could be won, prompting Karungo to pursue legal action.
Karungo later successfully challenged the decision, allowing him to contest the seat. He eventually won the Kiambu senatorial election by a wide margin.
Gachagua also praised the senator for standing with him during the 2024 impeachment battle, saying Karungo showed loyalty despite alleged political pressure.
Murkomen Gives Different Version
Gachagua’s remarks come just days after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen shared a different account of Karungo’s political journey.
Murkomen claimed he was the one who persuaded Karungo to join UDA, convincing him to abandon plans to contest the Kiambu Senate seat using a Jubilee Party ticket.
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