• They say they will offer Ruto their unwavering support to ensure he clinches the country's top seat next year.
• The DP was on a three-day tour of Kisii to push for support for his presidential bid.
Deputy President William Ruto's journey to State House next year is unstoppable despite hurdles presented by the state and competitors, his allies have said.
They say there has been all forms of intimidation and political threats, but they will offer Ruto their unwavering support to ensure he clinches the country's top seat next year.
Nyamira county UDA youth coordinator Bernard Mogaka said on Sunday that they will make sure Ruto gains popularity compared to other presidential candidates.
“We are confident the DP will still maintain popularity like in the 2017 elections when we garnered many votes from Nyamira and Kisii. We are not going to concentrate on our competitors who are going round tainting our name but we are looking at the future of peaceful and mature politics,” he said.
On Saturday, Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi expressed concerns over intimidation of UDA supporters by the state, saying they will not be cowed and will not back down.
“We live in Kenya, where each candidate should be given a chance to campaign freely and sell his agenda to whoever would listen without being subjected to any form of intimidation,” he said.
“We have seen other candidates going round meeting Kenyans. It should not bother anybody that the Deputy President is meeting his people.”
The DP was on a three-day tour of Kisii to push for support for his presidential bid.
Ruto started his three-day tour of Kisii county on Saturday to seek support from the area, which has traditionally been ODM leader Raila Odinga's stronghold.
The DP was in Kisii town on Sunday before proceeding to Bomachoge, Borabu and South Mugirango on Monday.
Edited by A.N