President William Ruto says he personally requested Gideon Moi to withdraw from the Baringo senatorial by-election. Gideon, who had been planning a political comeback, agreed to step aside “respectfully.”
President William Ruto has revealed that he directly asked KANU national chairman Gideon Moi to withdraw from the upcoming Baringo senatorial by-election, a move he says Moi honoured in the spirit of peace and unity.
The by-election, scheduled for November 27, had been widely viewed as Gideon’s return to active politics after his 2022 loss to UDA’s Samuel Chepkonga.
Speaking in Baringo County during an inspection tour of the Marigat–Mochongoi Road, Ruto said the decision came after a friendly conversation meant to foster reconciliation and cooperation among Rift Valley leaders.
“I called my brother Gideon and told him he’s my age mate. I asked him respectfully, and in turn, he respected me and agreed that we should unite and allow the youth to carry on,” said Ruto.
The President praised Gideon Moi’s decision, describing it as a sign of maturity and goodwill that would help unite the region and push forward the government’s development goals.
Ruto emphasised that unity among leaders was key to delivering national projects such as roads, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Political analysts have interpreted the move as a rare sign of reconciliation between the Ruto and Moi families, whose relationship has been tense since the 2022 elections.
During his Baringo tour, President Ruto rallied support for UDA candidate Kiprono Chemitei, urging residents to back him in the upcoming senatorial race.
Earlier, the President met grassroots leaders in Nakuru, where he discussed key achievements under his administration, including road expansion, affordable housing, and improved agricultural productivity.
“We reflected on the milestones we have achieved in building the economy, improving farming, and expanding our infrastructure,” Ruto said.
Two days after the State House meeting, Gideon Moi confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that he had decided to step aside, describing it as an act of unity and national cohesion.
“At this crucial point in our nation, we have chosen the path of unity and shared purpose. I thank the people of Baringo for their support as we work together toward a cohesive and prosperous Kenya,” Gideon stated.
He announced after hosting KANU delegates at his Kabarak home in Nakuru, in a meeting also attended by President Ruto.
On Tuesday, KANU hosted the 2025 Democracy Union of Africa (DUA) conference in Nairobi, where Gideon Moi underscored the importance of centre-right political parties in promoting democracy and good governance.
“This is a chance for centre-right parties to evaluate their contribution to democratic values and shared prosperity,” he said.
The event brought together notable figures, including former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, and Ghanaian MP Samuel Awuku, who also serves as SME Global Vice President.
The conference discussed Africa’s strategic role in a multipolar global order, which Gideon described as vital for ensuring balanced and beneficial partnerships for the continent’s future.
