As political alliances begin to take shape
ahead of the 2027 general elections, KANU Chairman Gideon Moi has poured cold
water on growing calls to reconcile and work with President William Ruto. This
comes amid heightened political activity in the Rift Valley, particularly in Baringo
County, where a by-election looms following the passing of Senator William
Cheptumo.
Moi Rejects
Handshake: “I Only Need Baringo’s Approval”
Speaking during the burial of former Baringo
North MP Willy Kamuren, Gideon Moi made it clear he has no interest in a
political handshake with the President. “I don’t need a handshake. What I need
is the handshake of the people of Baringo,” Moi declared, signaling his intent
to build a direct relationship with voters rather than entering elite political
deals.
His statement comes at a time when former
allies such as ODM leader Raila Odinga have shifted closer to the Ruto
administration—leaving KANU politically isolated within the former Azimio-One
Kenya coalition.
Rift Valley
Leaders Urge Unity Behind Ruto
In contrast, several Rift Valley leaders argue
that the region stands to benefit more by aligning with the current government.
Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap, Governor Benjamin Cheboi, and Tiaty MP William
Kamket emphasized the importance of working with the ruling coalition for
regional development.
Makilap warned that being in opposition only
leads to marginalization, stating:
“Trying the opposition is a tough life. We are
loyal to the President because we want progress for our county.”
Governor Cheboi backed the view, dismissing
claims that supporting the government amounts to sycophancy. He cited
achievements under the Kenya Kwanza administration, including road upgrades and
the upcoming public university in Kabarnet, attributing them to united
leadership in the region.
Political
Realignments and a Changing Landscape
William Kamket, who won his seat on a KANU
ticket in 2022 against a strong UDA wave, likened his efforts to those of John
the Baptist, saying he had “cleared the path” for Gideon Moi.
“I prepared the way. Now it’s your time,
Gideon. Join us and see how much easier it has become,” he said.
The Rift Valley has long been a political
battleground between Ruto and Moi. Ruto’s landslide victory in the 2022
presidential election and Moi’s loss in Baringo left the KANU boss with
diminished influence. The current political atmosphere has intensified efforts
to persuade Moi to align with the ruling coalition, especially with growing
interest in who will fill Cheptumo’s vacant seat.
Calls for
Caution as By-Election Politics Begin
Meanwhile, lobbying to fill the Baringo
Senatorial seat is already underway, even before the Independent Electoral and
Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officially declares it vacant. The electoral body
is still undergoing reconstitution, with a selection panel currently vetting
candidates for chair and commissioner positions.
As some local leaders push for a family member
of the late Senator to succeed him, Rev. Zachariah Chirchir of AIC Baringo
North urged restraint. He warned that grief-stricken families are vulnerable
and may be manipulated by opportunistic politicians.
“Let’s not allow mourning families to be
exploited. We must safeguard dignity even in death,” Rev. Chirchir noted.
Moi Charts
Solo Path Amid Shifting Alliances
With political tides turning in Kenya’s
heartland, Gideon Moi appears determined to go it alone, rejecting external
alliances in favor of grassroots connection. Whether this bold stance pays off
or leaves him further isolated remains to be seen as the 2027 election race
quietly begins.
