Mt Kenya leaders have said their resolve to back Deputy President William Ruto for the top seat is unstoppable.
They said they will not submit to threats and intimidation aimed at forcing them to support Raila Odinga.
Speaking in Nyandarua county on Friday, the MPs said the use of state institutions to threaten and intimidate them will not stop them from supporting Ruto.
They were Faith Gitau (Nyandarua), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Kindiki Kithure (Tharaka Nithi), Alice Wahome (Kandara), John Kinyua (Laikipia), Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu) and Wanjiku Muhia (EALA).
Gachagua said a section of state officials were abusing their power by coercing leaders and the people to support Raila.
"We will not allow the police and provincial administrators to dictate the direction we take as a people of Mt Kenya," he said.
Kithure said it was unfortunate that their opponents were now using police to intimidate their supporters.
"We are used to them coming after us. They cannot shake us. However, we urge them to leave ordinary citizens out of this," he said.
Wahome said their commitment to Ruto and his bottom-up economic model will not be shaken by their detractors.
"We will stand with Ruto as he faces uncivilised opponents who have resorted to throwing stones at him in public rallies," she said.
Ichungwa said it is the people who will determine the destiny of the country by exercising their democratic right of electing leaders of their choice.
The Deputy President asked Kenyans not to gamble with their votes and support leaders with proven track records.
"Do not vote for people who will abandon their duties and responsibilities and pursue selfish political interests," he said.
Ruto said it was irresponsible for leaders to prioritise their needs over those of the people.
"In the Big Four agenda, we had solutions to unemployment, agriculture, health and manufacturing. These are the projects and programmes that we will prioritise once we take over," he said.
Ruto regretted that the government had lost a lot of time pursuing constitutional amendments at the expense of addressing issues affecting ordinary citizens.
"It was very selfish of us as leaders to focus on the creation of positions of power at a time when the youths are suffering," he said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
