He was living a dream. Barely five years after trying out elective politics, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was on everyone’s lips as a possible running mate to Presidential candidate William Ruto.

Gachagua was the clearest favourite to clinch the running mate role in a field populated with more seasoned politicians. He came from the right backyard, Mount Kenya, and had pockets deep enough to support a political campaign.

It was no surprise that Gachagua beat Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to the coveted position, even after losing several votes by Mt Kenya lawmakers to decide on who would be Ruto’s deputy.