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Deputy President William Ruto has seemingly changed his political strat- egy to woo members of the Maasai Community in Kajiado County.

Instead of hosting Maasai delegates at his Karen residence, Ruto has lately resorted to visiting influential Kajiado power brokers in the homes. Kajiado South MP Katoo ole Metito, Nominated Senator Mary Seneta, Kajiado West MP George Sunkuiya and Senator Philip Mpayei have been lead- ing delegations to his Karen residence.

The quartet said they were working hand-in-hand with eight members of the county assembly allied to the Deputy President.

Ruto has changed tact by sneaking unnoticed into county to meet his “foot soldiers” away from elected leaders he had previously entrusted to spread the “hustler Nation” narrative Last Sunday, Ruto was hosted by a local businessman Daniel Lepatei at his Enkasiti home in Kitengela home in a closely guarded meeting that was at- tended by community power brokers.

Confronted by supporters after the meeting, DP said he had just come to visit a ‘friend for nyama choma’.

“We are rooting for UDA grassroots support. The visit is evident that the DP is able to reach the common mwananchi and to reach out to him one does not need a politician as a bridge.

As UDA foot soldiers we are delighted that we are free to reach out to him di- rectly,’’ said Lepatei. Lepatei said the DP while at his home asked area lead- ers to preach national cohesion.

“Our discussions were based on the country’s development and political tolerance,’’ he said.

Aloise Mwai a Kitengela staunch DP supporter said some of the elected leaders had blocked access to the DP.

“The direct approach to wananchi is very key in wooing voters. As his sup- porters we are sure that if he uses the trend of reaching out to residents using the ordinary people rather than politicians he will amass more and more support. Sometimes politicians fail because of entrusting their campaigns with elected leaders,’’ said Mwai.

On Wednesday, the DP hosted the recently ousted Kajiado county executive committee member (CEC ) for Public Service Samuel Seki and several other community leaders.