Ruto to Uhuru: I don't need your support to send Raila back home

Dr Ruto maintained that he was "removed" from government, after which the Jubilee development agenda was derailed.

"The price of flour has gone up. When these handshake friends removed us from government, the price was Sh90. And now Raila (Odinga) tells us we should give him an opportunity to lead. He should go home. "We launched our manifesto on Thursday, meant to reduce the cost of living, provide employment to youth and empower farmers. You have heard today how my friend the President is angry with that manifesto," he said.

Dr Ruto said he was in no competition with the Head of State, because the latter's term was coming to an end. "I want to tell my friend Uhuru Kenyatta not to be angry with us because we are not competing with you. You should step aside and let us deal with Raila. The president should stop bothering himself. I have not asked him for his vote. I do not want his help; I just want him to step aside and leave me to deal with Raila," he said.

The DP exuded confidence that he would easily beat the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate in the August 9 polls.

"That is why I am asking my friend Uhuru Kenyatta not to be angry with us. We voted for you when you needed us. We stood with you when you needed it. We are not saying you support us; but do not be angry with us. Let us deal with Raila because we want to send him home," Dr Ruto said in Gatimbi.

At Miraa trading centre, Dr Ruto assured the President of protection in retirement.

He said his administration would fight corruption. "We are going to deal with state capture, conflict of interest and corruption because we want fairness and not a few people to enrich themselves. We want a country that belongs to 40 million people and a country where nobody is left behind," he said.

Addressing locals after a service at Athi Catholic Church in Igembe, Dr Ruto accused his opponents of trivialising his manifesto.

Kenya Kwanza running mate Rigathi Gachagua (right) with Meru Senator Mithika Linturi at Kianjai in Meru. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

"Jubilee and Bus are Azimio. We are saying if you want to kill a snake you must also crash its eggs. ODM is the snake and Jubilee and BUS are the eggs. We are killing the snake and its eggs," said Mr Rigathi.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa assured the DP of Kiambu County's support.

Out of government

"Do not be worried by those who drove you out of government and are now blaming you," he said, adding that they would not be distracted by the insults directed at the DP.

Dr Ruto and Prof Kindiki also campaigned for UDA candidates.

"Please vote for Linturi as governor and reelect John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South MP).

When you vote for Linturi, please also vote for Kathuri Murungi as Senator and Elizabeth Kailemia as Woman Rep," said Prof Kindiki.