Speaking on Tuesday at the Coastal region after attending the Legislative Summit, Deputy President William Ruto did not shy away from making clear his intentions to upstage veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga in the race to command the vote-rich coast.

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Mr Ruto said that he had every intention to work with the region's people for their betterment and to engage with their leaders on 2022 presidential elections.

''I want to encourage the leaders of this county and plan about this region of the coast. I am ready to have discussions with you devoid of coercion. I am ready to have closed-door discussions with you. For the first time, I am hearing for the first time the right language from the people of the coast,'' Ruto said.

The deputy president encouraged the people of the coast to work with leaders who have their interests at heart and avoid those whose only agenda is making noise.

Ruto's brazen intentions is sure to cause jitters in the Raila camp ahead of 2022.