GIDEON MOI STEPS DOWN FROM BARINGO SENATORIAL RACE AFTER STATE HOUSE MEETING WITH PRESIDENT RUTO.
President William Ruto recently held a closed-door meeting with KANU Chairman Gideon Moi at State House, Nairobi, in what has been described as a strategic dialogue aimed at easing political tensions and fostering unity in the Rift Valley region. The meeting, which took place in early October 2025, came at a crucial time when preparations were underway for the Baringo senatorial by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025. The seat fell vacant following the death of Senator William Cheptumo, a respected leader from the county. Sources familiar with the meeting revealed that discussions revolved around political cooperation, national development agendas, and the dynamics surrounding the upcoming by-election.
Gideon Moi, who had earlier declared his intention to contest for the Baringo senatorial seat, was expected to submit his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). However, in a surprising turn of events, Moi failed to present his papers within the allocated time between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., despite the presence of his supporters who had gathered at the Baringo Airstrip in anticipation of his candidacy. His failure to appear sparked speculation across political circles, with many linking the sudden change of plans to his earlier meeting with President Ruto at State House.
A few days later, KANU officially announced that Gideon Moi would not be vying in the by-election, confirming his withdrawal from the race. The decision marked a significant shift in the county’s political landscape, as Moi had previously been seen as a strong contender with deep-rooted influence in Baringo, a region long associated with the Moi family’s political legacy. The withdrawal was perceived as a gesture of goodwill and a move to maintain political harmony, following what insiders described as cordial and conciliatory talks between the two leaders.
According to reports from Citizen Digital and Mwakilishi, the meeting between Ruto and Moi was not confrontational but rather consultative, focusing on how to strengthen cooperation between the government and regional leaders. Political analysts observed that Moi’s decision to step aside could signal a new era of political realignment, as KANU reevaluates its position in a landscape now dominated by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The withdrawal effectively cleared the path for UDA’s candidate, Kiprono Cheburet Chemitei, who remains one of the front-runners in the race.
The development also highlighted the evolving nature of Rift Valley politics, where former rivals are finding common ground amid changing national priorities. For President Ruto, the engagement with Gideon Moi underscored his ongoing effort to consolidate unity across the political divide, even among leaders who previously opposed his rise to power. For Moi, the move appeared to reflect a calculated decision to reposition KANU as a cooperative rather than confrontational player in the national political arena.
As Baringo prepares for the November by-election, Moi’s withdrawal has left a noticeable void in the competition, with residents and political observers alike noting that his absence could significantly tilt the race in favor of UDA. The episode has been widely interpreted as a symbol of shifting political alliances and an indicator of President Ruto’s widening influence in the Rift Valley. Whether this marks the beginning of a longer-term partnership between Ruto and Moi remains to be seen, but the meeting has undoubtedly reshaped the political narrative in one of Kenya’s most historically influential counties.
