President William Ruto has revealed that he personally requested KANU national chairman Gideon Moi to withdraw from the upcoming Baringo senatorial by-election, a move that highlights efforts to consolidate political unity in the Rift Valley.
The November 27 by-election had been widely viewed as Gideon’s possible political comeback after his 2022 defeat to UDA’s Samuel Chepkonga. However, on the eve of his expected nomination, the former senator met President Ruto at State House, Nairobi, where the two reportedly reached an understanding.
Speaking on Tuesday during the inspection of the Marigat–Mochongoi Road in Baringo, Ruto said his conversation with Gideon was driven by a desire for reconciliation and regional harmony after years of political rivalry.
“I called my brother Gideon and told him he’s my age mate. I asked him respectfully, and in turn, he respected me and said that we should unite and allow the youth to carry on with this work while we plan ahead,” Ruto told residents.
The President commended Gideon’s gesture as one that fosters peace and collaboration, noting that unity among leaders was vital for national development. He emphasized that political reconciliation would help the government deliver on its key projects, including infrastructure expansion and economic transformation.
Ruto’s remarks mark a notable thaw in relations between him and the Moi family, long perceived as political rivals in the Rift Valley. Analysts view the development as part of the President’s broader strategy to solidify UDA’s influence in the region ahead of future elections.
During his Baringo visit, Ruto also drummed up support for UDA’s candidate Kiprono Chemitei, urging residents to vote overwhelmingly for the ruling party. Earlier, he met grassroots leaders from Nakuru County as part of a series of engagements aimed at strengthening UDA’s political foothold in the Rift Valley.
