Deputy President William Ruto has received a major boost in his quest to conquer coastal region, it has now emerged.
According to the Nation, Dr Ruto met leaders from Taita Taveta County on Thursday where they backed his plans to make inroads in the region.
Former Woman Representative Joyce Lay, MPs Naomi Shaban and Woman Rep Lydiah Haika are among those who attended.
During the meeting, the Nation reveals, Ruto vowed to support the Building Bridges Initiative report as presented to the president.
"I support the BBI, but it must be people-driven. We will not allow people to use the BBI for their benefit,” he said.
Dr Ruto has struggled to make inroads in the region despite traversing it for the past two years.
All six governors from the region have been snubbing Ruto's trips, with his lieutenant Salim Mvurya of Kwale also taking unprecedented break.
Ms Haika said the ruling party is gaining popularity at the Coast and will soon overthrow the opposition.
“We are the only party that has fronted a candidate for 2022. This means we are way ahead of other parties,” she argued.
She said the party will hold a number of meetings with various groups from the region to craft a strategy on selling Dr Ruto’s candidature.
“The meetings will be held very soon. For now, we are concentrating on the coming party elections,” she added.
For now, the DP is enjoying support from MPs Aisha Jumwa (Malindi) Mohammed Ali (Nyali), Paul Katana (Kaloleni), Benjamin Tayari (Kinango), Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Ali Wario (Garsen), Kassim Tandaza (Matuga), Khatib Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga), Christine Zawadi (Nominated) and Athman Shariff (Lamu East).