In the past two days, Uhuru has camped in the vote-rich Nakuru county drumming up support for his handshake partner.
He has also been attacking his deputy William Ruto in the escalated campaigns that started two weeks ago.
“I am pleading with you with a lot of respect. And I don’t force you because there is no vote that you can get by force. Hold the hands of this mzee (Raila),” he said.
The President spoke when he commissioned the 217km Nakuru-Kisumu meter gauge railway and Nakuru Railway station on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, he opened a 1,000-acre Naivasha Special Economic Zone in Mahi-Mahiu where he leveraged the moment to campaign for Raila.
Raila and Ruto are the chief protagonists in the race to succeed President Uhuru.
The Nakuru trip comes barely a week after he toured Nairobi, Laikipia, and Samburu and rallied the residents to shun the DP in favour of the ODM chief.
Insiders indicate that the President has lined-up a series of campaigns touted as development tours in various parts of the country, in the dying days of his tenure.
Uhuru’s last-minute move could boost Raila’s campaigns and turn the tables against Ruto, whom he has bitterly fallen out with.
While observers believe that the President’s last-ditch may not tilt the scales against the DP, others say he still wields massive influence that could dent the UDA candidate’s fortunes.
Over the weekend, the President is expected to visit his Mt Kenya backyard, where he will commission projects in Nyeri and other areas.
Kieni MP Kanini Kega said the President is launching projects but he has an opinion and it is also his responsibility to guide his people positively.
“He has so many projects. He will be coming to Central. That is for sure. He will come to my constituency, I know,” he said.
In Nyeri, Uhuru will launch the construction of a cancer centre in Kimathi and commission Narumoru Hospital, and Mwai Hospital in Othaya.
While in Nakuru on Tuesday and Wednesday, he rooted for Raila, describing him as an experienced and truthful person unlike his deputy who he claimed thrives on lies and half-truths.
“And that is why I said old age is not sickness, better an older person who says the truth than a young person who tells lies.
“Even these others are ours but it seems they need time to relax. To stop insults. To stop the high speed and know that work and truth are superior to insults and hatred,” he said in an indirect attack on Ruto.
The head of state said the DP thrives on doublespeak, insults and abuses and asked the residents to reject him on the ballot.
“I have been with my friend (Ruto). And I don’t look down upon him. I hate nobody. I don’t have a problem with anyone.
“They are abusing me every day, have you ever seen me abusing them? They are abusing me and even my mother who has many years," the President said.
For the first time, Uhuru urged residents to elect Raila alongside his foot soldiers – governors, senators, MPs, and MCAs.
“Even you agree to support that old man if he won’t have workers, how will it work? Lee wants to complete his term,” he said as he drummed up support for Jubilee and Azimio candidates.
In Mahi Mahiu on Tuesday, Uhuru said told residents to elect Raila on August 9 because of his experience.
“Old age is not sickness. We are not looking for a marathoner. We want a leader with wisdom and humility and who loves his people,” he said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
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