DP Ruto returns to Western Kenya to steady ship after haemorrhage
Deputy President William Ruto returns to Kakamega County today as he seeks to consolidate his support base in the vote rich region.
Ruto’s latest visit comes against the backdrop of a resurgent Azimio la Umoja Movement campaign in the region and a sustained campaign by Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Mudavadi to lock up what is considered his political bedrock.
The second in command is scheduled to address a series of public gatherings in Likuyani and Lugari constituencies before winding up the tour with meet the people meetings at Matete and Malava trading centers in Malava constituencies.
Details of the DP’s itinerary remained scanty by yesterday evening.
However, his close allies in the county confided in the People Daily that there had been some changes following the ban on harambees by political aspirants.
Ruto is expected at Mwamba and Soy markets in Likuyani before heading to Moi’s Bridge, Lwandeti and Panpaper in Lugari.
Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has been camping in the entire two constituents for the entire week but could not be reached.
The DP will be accompanied by several leaders from the county and other parts of the Western region.
His support base in the county has been dwindling after a sizeable number of political leaders jumped ship.
Likuyani and Lugari are significant to the DP’s quest for State House as they border his Turbo constituency.
The DP spent yesterday meeting leaders allied to him at his Karen residence in Nairobi.
Speaking after the meeting, Ruto urged his competitors to centre on selling their agenda rather than looking for shortcuts to ascend to power.
