Africa-Press – Kenya. The Kenya African National Union (Kanu) has officially announced that its national chairman Gideon Moi, will be contesting in the forthcoming Baringo Senatorial by-election.
In a statement released Thursday, the party said the decision followed “extensive consultations, deliberations, and consensus within the party and with the people of Baringo,” paving the way for Moi’s return to elective politics.
While accepting the party’s endorsement, Moi expressed gratitude to Kanu members, supporters, and the residents of Baringo for what he termed their “patience, confidence, and steadfast support.” This, while pledging to run a people-driven campaign anchored on inclusivity, accountability, and service.
“I remain committed to a campaign that speaks to the needs of all and works towards building a united and prosperous Baringo,” Moi said, according to the statement.
The party also described Moi’s nomination as a reaffirmation of its commitment to providing experienced, visionary, and people-centered leadership at a defining moment for both Baringo County and the nation.
Kanu, one of Kenya’s oldest political parties, said it is confident Moi’s candidature will resonate widely with the electorate, citing his experience and deep ties with the county.
The party has now called on its supporters in Baringo and across the country to rally behind its chairman as he makes another bid for the Senate seat.
The Baringo senatorial seat fell vacant following the death of William Cheptumo in February this year setting the stage for what is expected to be a high-stakes political contest in the Rift Valley region.
Cheptumo who was a member of the UDA party floored Moi in the 2022 general election. He is not set to face off with Kiprono Cheburet who secured the UDA party nominations which attracted eight other candidates two weeks ago.
Cheburet garnered 48,791 votes. His closest rival, Tobole Kipsang, managed 30,897 votes, while Daniel Kiptoo Korir came third with 23,613. Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set November 27, for all the pending by-elections across the country.
The entry of Moi now sets the stage for yet another bruising battle between the independence-era party, Kanu, and the ruling UDA. It marks a renewed rivalry between President William Ruto and his long-time political adversary-Moi.
During the fiercely contested 2022 elections, Ruto had vowed to teach Moi a political lesson, a promise he followed through on. He campaigned aggressively in the region, resulting in Moi’s defeat and a sweeping victory for several UDA candidates.
For Moi, this race is about more than just challenging Ruto. It is a bid to redeem both his political standing and the legacy of the Moi family, once a dominant force in Rift Valley politics, now largely diminished after the last election.
His brother, Rongai MP Raymond Moi, also lost his seat in that political wave. In 2022, Moi had openly opposed Ruto’s presidential bid, a move that reportedly provoked a strategic onslaught by Ruto’s allies to ensure his defeat.
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