Ruto allies from Mt Kenya say they’re being threatened to support Raila Odinga

A section of leaders from the Mt Kenya region allied to the Deputy President William Ruto have said that their resolve to back him for the top seat was unstoppable.

They said that they will not submit to threats and intimidation aimed at them with the intention to support ODM party leader Raila Odinga. 

Speaking in Nyandarua County on Friday, the MPs who accompanied the DP in his tour said the use of state institutions to threaten and intimidate them will not stop them from supporting Ruto.

They included 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 to us the direction we will take as a people of Mt Kenya," Gachagua said.

Kindiki said that 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," Kindiki said.

On his part, Wahome said their commitment to the DP 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.”

Ruto 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," DP said.

Ruto added that it was irresponsible for leaders to prioritise their needs over those of the people and that he will prioritise the implementation of the projects and programs outlined in the Big Four agenda.

 "In the Big Four agenda, we had solutions to unemployment, agriculture, health, and manufacturing. These are the projects and programs that we will prioritize once we take over.”

He also 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,”