Deputy President William Ruto’s wife, Mama Rachel, sent an emotional message to the UDA candidate congratulating him for honouring the media invite to attend the presidential debate.

In a statement on Monday, July 26, Rachel described the DP as the last man standing, noting that he did well in articulating his agenda during the 90 minutes.

The message was released hours after the debate was concluded.

Additionally, she personalized her message by referring to the DP with a name not known to the public.

“Congratulations Bill. You were perfect. The last man standing. May God carry you through,” she stated.

Rachel had earlier accompanied the Kenya Kwanza leader for the Tuesday debate with other leaders including his running mate and Mathira MP – Rigathi Gachagua.

Her sentiments were echoed by his allies who argued that the DP’s decision to honour the debate invitation was honourable and demonstrated that he had a plan for the country.

“Good job Ruto for sharing your plan and courage with Kenyans. You represent reality and the future and we are proud of you. The debate (I mean the grilling) went well and now all Kenyans are clear why Ruto would make the best President for Kenya,” Outgoing Machakos governor Alfred Mutua echoed.

Ruto appeared for the debate alone after Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga skipped the live TV engagement.

Earlier his team explained that the former Premier would not share the same stage with the DP as they stated that the two shared different ideologies.

“Ruto has demanded that the debate not focus on corruption, ethics and governance. These are issues at the core of the Azimio campaign; any debate devoid of these questions will be an insult to the intelligence of Kenyans.

“It would be a colossal mistake to reward such a person with a national debate. We will not assist his failing campaign; he can explain himself and his poor record to voters without our help,” Raila campaign secretariat, Prof Makau Mutua stated then.