Ruto meets Kiambu elders
Presidential hopeful William Ruto on Friday, July 1, 2022, met elders from Kiambu County in a renewed bid to seek support from the vote-rich Mount Kenya region.
The elders led by Kiama Kìa Ma Chairman Captain (Rtd) Kung'u Muigai held discussions with the Kenya Kwanza presidential flag bearer at his official Karen residence in Nairobi.
Ruto indicated that the discussions centred on the Kenya Kwanza alliance's commitment to a peaceful election.
"Our commitment to a peaceful election on August 9 is unequivocal. Our elders are an integral component of this agenda," Ruto said in a statement.
Other leaders present were Ruto's running mate Rigathi Gachagua, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, MPs Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Kimani Ichung'wah (Kikuyu), George Koimburi (Juja), Njuguna Wanjiku (Kiambaa), James Wamacukuru (Kabete) and Simon King'ara (Ruiru).
Ruto intensify campaigns
Ruto has in recent weeks intensified campaigns to woo key leaders from the Mt Kenya region amid reports of dwindling support.
Pundits claim the unveiling of Martha Karua as Raila Odinga's running mate has seen Ruto's support diminish as the Azimio One Kenya coalition continues to make inroads in the region.
On the other hand, some politicians in Ruto's camp claim the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leader shot himself in the foot when he settled on Gachagua as running mate.
Tujibebe party leader William Kabogo recently claimed Gachagua was the reason he ditched Kenya Kwanza.
The former Kiambu governor, while accusing UDA of discriminating against Kenya Kwanza's fringe parties, warned that Gachagua's 'tyrant-like style of leadership' will cost the DP votes in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region.
“As small parties in Mount Kenya Region, we are not included in the planning of campaign activities. The campaigns also drum support for UDA only. Even the Deputy President-designate campaigns for UDA, and not Kenya Kwanza coalition,” he said.
