Deputy President William Ruto’s allies on Tuesday rolled out an aggressive vote-hunting mission in Central Kenya, traversing at least four counties.

They toured Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu and Nyeri.

This is the latest campaign by the Kenya Kwanza team seen as an attempt to neutralise the fortunes of Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the region.

Since Raila picked Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua as his running mate, political analysts have said Ruto’s wave in the region had nosedived significantly.

However, Ruto and his allies have said the Karua effect does not affect the Kenya Kwanza support in the region.

Led by his running mate Rigathi Gachagua they downplayed Karua’s impact as inconsequential saying she will not deliver votes to Raila.

“Mt Kenya people made their decision to vote in William Ruto and nothing including the nomination of our sister Karua will change their minds,” Gachagua said.

Their campaign was characterised by a massive onslaught against the  Raila’s presidential bid.

Gachagua tailored his speech to sound friendly to President Uhuru, whom he has disparaged in previous rallies, but savagely attacked Raila and Karua.

He said he will work with Ruto to address the country’s ailing economy.

“I request you to vote for UDA candidates who will be Ruto’s foot soldiers in the National Assembly and county assemblies,” Rigathi said.

Those present were Kimani Wamatangi (UDA), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri) and Moses Kuria (CCK).

Others were Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Charles Njagua alias Jaguar (Starehe), Alice Wahome (Kandara), Mary Wamaua (Maragua) and some UDA aspirants.

They drummed support for Ruto and other candidates saying having a stronger representation will enable them to roll out the bottom-up economic model with ease.

Chama cha Kazi leader Moses Kuria said Azimio la Umoja cannot be voted in Mt Kenya and they will fully support Ruto.

He said he will traverse the whole of Mt Kenya to drum up support for Ruto.

“Don’t be lied to vote Raila Odinga through Martha Karua. Raila can’t sell in Mt Kenya,” he said.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro was confident that Ruto will automatically take over from Uhuru Kenyatta.

He urged their supporters to support Ruto since he had supported the region in the past.

Ndindi said Mt Kenya is not ready to support a state-backed project to serve the interests of a few.

“We are fully behind William Ruto and nothing will stop us and it’s the people who will decide on their preferred leaders,” he said.

Starehe MP dispelled rumours that Azimio has gained roots in the Mt Kenya region.

He said Ruto is the most loved presidential candidate across the country according to numerous polls.

Maragua MP Mary Wamaua said the Kenya Kwanza government will revive the economy.

Political pundits have said DP Ruto is committed to having majority support from vote-rich Mt Kenya even after falling out with Uhuru Kenyatta.

Ruto has in the past visited the region to lock out Azimio’s influence.

Last week, Ruto traversed Murang’a and Nyeri where he urged residents to shun Azimio politics.

He requested Uhuru Kenyatta to retire peacefully and stop imposing Raila on the people of Mt Kenya.

Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta have been not on good terms for the longest time since the introduction of the handshake with Raila Odinga.

President Uhuru has severally accused Ruto of being a hypocrite and at some point urged him to resign.

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