The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Kanu party chairman Gideon Moi has revealed details behind his unexpected decision to withdraw from the Baringo Senate race, saying it followed personal assurances from President William Ruto that key development projects in the county would be revived.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Speaking on Friday, October 10, at his family home in Kabarak, Nakuru County, during President Ruto’s visit, Moi said he stepped aside after a candid conversation with the Head of State.
“Today’s meeting is for the President,” he told supporters. “You all know what happened on Thursday. I was ready to run, and you were ready to support me, but we didn’t make it.”
Moi had been scheduled to present his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kabarnet between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., but he failed to appear, leaving hundreds of his supporters confused and anxious.
He later disclosed that his decision came after the President assured him that the stalled development projects — including roads and dams — would be completed by the national government.
“I explained to him that I wanted to help my people because I mean well for them,” Moi said. “He told me he would personally ensure the projects are done. Since he is the President and made that commitment, I agreed to step down.”
Moi added that he invited Ruto to Kabarak to speak directly to his supporters and affirm the government’s commitment to Baringo’s development.
“I told him, now that we’ve talked, it’s best you come and talk to my people, and that’s why we are here today,” he said.
The Kabarak meeting drew more than 3,000 Kanu members, local leaders, and senior officials from the Kenya Kwanza administration, marking a significant political reconciliation in the Rift Valley.
Reports indicate that Moi’s withdrawal was finalized during a Wednesday night meeting at State House, where Ruto convinced him to step aside in exchange for a development deal for Baringo and future cooperation between Kanu and Kenya Kwanza.
President Ruto, in his address, confirmed initiating the talks, saying he reached out to Moi in a bid to unite national leaders behind a common vision.
“If there have been problems, blame me,” Ruto said. “I’m the one who sought out Gideon. I told him Kenya’s destiny is greater than anything either of us can gain.”
He added that the outreach to Moi was part of a broader effort to bring together political leaders, citing his recent engagements with ODM leader Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“I told Raila it’s important to recognise our collective potential as a nation,” Ruto said. “I also met Uhuru and explained that we must all work to move this country forward.”
The Kabarak event, the first time a sitting President was hosted at the Moi family home in years, symbolised a renewed partnership and a possible new political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
