Deputy President William Ruto has embarked on a plan to woo the Kisii community to back his candidature as he seeks to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.
The second in command has now formed a formidable team that he intends to use to solidify his support base in Gusiiland to enable him to rise to power with a landslide win.
Daily Nation reports that Ruto met the team at his Karen home on Tuesday as he starts the journey to get votes from the region.
He held meetings with separate groups from both Kisii and Nyamira.
Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi led one of the groups to his Karen home as he unveils his strategy to bag votes from the region. The team comprised of more than 20 ward representatives. They included MPs Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba), Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango) and Vincent Kemosi (West Mugirango).
They were also accompanied by more than 200 youth leaders from Nyamira county.
During the meeting, Ruto launched an attack at ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying he is ready to face him in 2022.
The DP is seen as the front runner for the 2022 presidential seat race that has also attracted the interest of Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and ANC's Musalia Mudavadi who have since declared an interest.