Deputy President William Ruto returns to the Coast today for a six-day tour of the region.
He will visit Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Mombasa. This is Ruto's third tour of the coastal region in recent months. He will try to popularise the United Democratic Alliance.
According to his itinerary, Ruto will be in Taita Taveta on Thursday morning, where he will meet boda boda operators and small-scale traders. He will be hosted by Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Haika.
On Friday, Ruto is expected to visit Kwale and Kilifi counties for a series of rallies and meetings.
Msambweni MP Feisal Bader, who will be among Ruto’s hosts in Kwale, said the DP will meet various grassroots leaders and UDA supporters.
Bader said the DP will attend events organised by boda boda operators, women and small-scale traders in Kombani, Matuga.
On Friday, the DP will be at Maasai ground in Ukunda, Msambweni, after meeting with delegates in Kilifi in the morning.
“The DP will be back in Kwale on Friday afternoon and have a talk with hustlers in Ukunda,” Bader said on Wednesday.
On Saturday, he will meet UDA grassroots leaders in Mombasa and have a series of meetings with his supporters. He will be hosted by Nyali MP Mohammed Ali and former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar.
In an interview with the Star, Omar said Ruto is looking for support from the grassroots people, "unlike Raila who is looking for validation from the Mt Kenya tycoons".
"He will be meeting with mama mbogas and boda boda operators to ensure the hustler agenda is well received," he said.
Omar said UDA has made inroads in the region.
"Coast is no longer an ODM zone. They (ODM) are still living in denial, the region is now a UDA bastion," he said.
The coastal region voted overwhelmingly for ODM in the last two general elections.
Ruto’s visit is also meant to encourage and mobilise the youth in the region to register as voters.
Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari urged residents to come out in large numbers during Ruto’s visit, adding that, “he is the only one who will cure Kenya’s economy.
"Apart from the rallies, the DP will meet the upcoming UDA aspirants in the region,” he said.
On Sunday, the DP is expected to attend a church service in Miritini, Mombasa.
The main event for all UDA aspirants in the coastal region will be held on Monday at Wild Waters Complex.
On Tuesday, the DP is expected to fly to Lamu for a series of fundraisers for boda boda operators and beach management units.
Barely four weeks ago, ODM leader Raila Odinga met ODM coast delegates at the Wild Waters Complex.
Edited by A.N