Deputy President William Ruto returns to the coastal region for more Kenya Kwanza rallies in a bid to counter Azimio la Umoja presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga’s forays in the last week.

Raila’s made a weeklong tour in the region that ended five days ago.

An itinerary sent to newsrooms by Kenya Kwanza campaign secretariat indicates the DP will hold two rallies in Taita Taveta county where he is expected to begin his tour and another one in Kwale.

“He will be in Taita Taveta and Kwale counties on Wednesday, starting with Voi town at 2pm, followed by Taveta at 3pm. At 4pm he will be at Ukunda in Msambweni constituency, Kwale,” the DP’s programme indicates.

By targeting Taveta and Msambweni constituencies in rapid succession, the DP will seek to hold on to a section of region where he is seen to have made inroads.

With less than 20 days to elections, Ruto wants to capitalise on support of former Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu who seeks a return on UDA ticket as well as the incumbent Woman Representative, Lydia Haika eying reelection on UDA ticket.

In Kwale County, the DP is counting on the support of incumbents – Msambweni MP Feisal Bader, Governor Salim Mvurya and his deputy Fatma Achani who aims to succeed her boss.