Deputy President William Ruto on Monday, July 12 had an opportunity to address a huge gathering of Kiambaa residents who had turned up for the final rally of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party candidate.

Speaking to the residents on phone, the DP asked residents to vote in the UDA candidate John Njuguna Wanjiku in the forthcoming by-election slated for Thursday, July 15.

The DP told residents that Wanjiku represents the unity mission that his UDA party has embarked on ahead of the 2022 General Elections.

“The journey to unite all Kenyans has started. I am urging you with humility to elect our UDA candidate John Njuguna Wanjiku,” the DP said.

“Is UDA the party? Is the candidate Wanjiku? Is the date July 15?” he posed amid thunderous applause from residents who responded in agreement.

The country’s second in command further asked residents to continue supporting the UDA party in its bid to form the next government in 2022.

“Will you help us form the next government in 2022?” he posed as the gathering replied in agreement.

The Kiambaa by-election has turned out to be a battle between the DP and his boss President Uhuru Kenyatta.

While the President’s Jubilee party has fielded Kariri Njama for the seat, UDA picked Wanjiku in a bid to reclaim its first parliamentary seat a few months after it was rebranded.

Njama, who recently met President Uhuru, has been heavily supported by leaders allied to the Kieleweke side of the Jubilee party.

Wanjiku on the other side has received huge support from leaders allied to DP Ruto.

The outcome of the by-election will leave a major political statement as 2022 successions politics continues to play out in the Mt Kenya region.