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Deputy President William Ruto says he will be making several campaign visits to Nyanza to end the narrative and political profiling that the region belongs to ODM.
Ruto on Wednesday argued that such profiling is a way of promoting ethnicity and division contrary to the Constitution.
Speaking during a meeting with UDA delegates from Homa Bay and Migori counties at a hotel in Homa Bay town, Ruto said "frequent visits will make us get used to one another."
“This is not a hit and run visit. I intend to build the bridge between Nyanza people and the rest of Kenyans,” Ruto said.
The DP told delegates and party officials to prepare to welcome him again before end of December.
He said familiarising with the people of Nyanza will eventually do away with zoning the region as pro particular politicians.
During the meeting, the DP said he wants Nyanza residents not be profiled as people who throw stones at leaders who compete with Raila.
This follows the Wednesday incident where the DP was forced to cut short his speech at Kondele, Kisumu when rowdy youths threw stones at his motorcade.
Ruto said politicians who misuse youths lack agenda.
“Their agenda is weak so they resort to violence to keep their competitors away. They will throw stones until no more because they will get use to me,” he said.
Nyanza is perceived as ODM leader Raila Odinga's stronghold. The region which has six counties including Homa Bay, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Nyamira and Siaya has been voting for Raila overwhelmingly.
Ruto asked the delegates to work with residents very closely to ensure UDA gain roots, adding that they must do away with notion that he cannot garner votes in Nyanza.
“Currently, UDA is the most popular party in Kenya. We want Nyanza people not to be left out hence as ambassadors you must ensure everybody is on board,” he added.
Before the meeting, Ruto made campaign stopovers at Pagisa market (Kabondo Kasipul), Kendu Bay town (Karachuonyo) and Olare market (Rangwe) where he promoted his bottom up economic model.
DP Ruto said his leadership will prioritise empowering ordinary Kenyans.
He said his campaign agenda targets to improve the living standards of ordinary Kenyans.
“My leadership will ensure we complete all the development projects Jubilee administration began in the region,” Ruto said.
The DP was accompanied by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Nyanza region UDA coordinator Eliud Owalo.
The party officials were told to work together and focus on popularising it, adding that he does not want UDA to have a path similar to Ford Kenya and Wiper.
He claimed the two parties have been in existence for many years but are growing thinner by day.
“We want to build a national party because I believe that is how we can unite Kenyans,” Ruto said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
