Deputy President William Ruto's allies took their campaigns for the DP to Gilgil on Sunday, with calls for President Uhuru Kenyatta to back him, while others welcomed Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to join UDA.
They spoke at AIPCA St Joseph in Kikopey.
Politicians who accompanied the DP included Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Juja MP George Koimburi, Naivasha's Jayne Kihara, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, the latest entrant into the UDA party.
When Ruto took the microphone, a group presented a calf to him that had been painted in UDA colours of green and yellow.
He took a swipe at ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying he stopped the progress made by him and Uhuru.
He said, "Kitendawili haitaanza na reggae haitaendelea."
Ruto said he and Uhuru had big plans with the Big 4 agenda which was derailed by reggae.
The DP said UDA is ready to work with those who support the party's agenda, which includes eliminating youth unemployment.
He said he will join forces with all leaders who believe in the uplifting of millions of underprivileged Kenyans.
“We are ready to partner with those who believe in our agenda,” he said.
Ruto explained that the country was facing massive economic pressure that called on leaders to pull together to tame the rising cost of living.
“If they are ready, let them come and work with us. Our priority is in investing in projects that will create at least four million jobs for the youth,” he added.
MPs present said other presidential candidates were being forced to back Raila because of the strong UDA wave across the country.
They said even if they gang up, UDA will still beat them.
They asked OKA principals Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo and Moses Wetang’ula not to be coerced to backing Raila.
They said these party leaders were experienced politicians who can make informed choices.
They said Raila had for a long time tricked them to supporting him in return for "fake and unmet promises".
Gachagua said the State should not intimidate and force leaders to supporting the ODM boss.
He said gone were the days when such tricks were employed to win votes. “He (Raila) is tired. He has no agenda in uplifting the poor,” he claimed.
Kihika said, "It is in Nakuru where we had the handshake of 10 years of Uhuru and 10 for Ruto... don't allow yourself to be misled again..."
"We have a vision... we welcome Kalonzo, Mudavadi and Gideon..."
Kihara said it was time the President supported Ruto.
Nyoro said there are goodies in UDA and urged Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to join.
"The hustler house is big.... you saw when (Kirinyaga Governor) Anne Waiguru joined she was welcomed; when (Laikipia Woman Rep Cate) Waruguru came, she was welcomed....Kalonzo, you can make a good speaker...."
The remark comes following an interview Kalonzo had with the Nation newspaper in which he said he was open to talks with Ruto.
Kalonzo was quoted in an interview as saying, "If you hear them looking for me, tell them I am available because Kenyans must consult. If they want to reach out to me, they are most welcome."
This was in response to a question on whether he was partnering with Ruto.
