Deputy President (DP) William Ruto on Sunday reached out to One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals to team up with him ahead of the August 2022 polls instead of being coerced to support Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto told the OKA principles that he was ready to work with leaders who want to transform Kenya. The Deputy President who was responding to calls by his allies said he would join forces with all leaders who believe in uplifting lives of millions of underprivileged Kenyans.
“We are ready to partner with those who believe in our agenda,” he said.
Ruto explained the country was facing massive economic pressure that called on leaders to pull together to tame the rising cost of living.
Ruto spoke during a church service in Kikopey, Gilgil Constituency, where he also welcomed area MP Martha Wangari to UDA.
The leaders said other presidential candidates were being forced to back Raila because of the strong UDA wave across the country.
The UDA lieutenants asked Mudavadi, Musyoka and Wetangula not to be coerced to back Raila. Nyoro said they were aware of the tribulations the trio has been subjected to in a bid to vacate their aspirations for Raila in 2022.
“Do not bow to pressure. Press on and ensure that you stick to the wishes of the people,” said the Kiharu MP.
OKA principals Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula and Gideon Moi have indicated that they will settle on one of them to contest the presidency. “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 said.
The DP was accompanied by MPs Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Ndindi Nyoro (Kihara), George Koimburi (Juja), George Kariuki (Ndia), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira) and Faith Gitau (Nyandarua). Others were Lizah Chelule (Nakuru), David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), Patrick Wainaina (Thika Town) and Ben Washiali (Mumias East).
