Baringo Senator Gideon Moi is soon to be crowned a Pokot warrior, a step toward a possible run for the presidency.
He will be required to sleep under an old indigenous tree overnight to complete the ritual. Gideon asked in jest how he would be able to sleep under a tree at night all by himself. The crowd burst into laughter.
The Kanu boss will then receive blessings and 'weapons of leadership and power' from elders.
These rituals are likely preparation for the 2022 presidential race, in which he is expected to take part. He has yet to formally declare but has hinted at a run for State House.
Gideon received the invitation on Tuesday when he accompanied Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa to donate food to starving Nginyany residents in Tiaty subcounty. Pokot leaders, led by area MP William Kamket, said the senator will undergo a traditional ceremony.
Gideon accepted the invite and concluded his speech by saying, "Toko tai", loosely meaning, "It is still ahead."
The leaders said Gideon's father, retired President Daniel Moi, underwent a similar ritual, which 'sustained his reign.' The senior Moi was President for 24 years and retired on December 30, 2002, when his successor Mwai Kibaki took charge.
"You see this cold-shaded, old, indigenous tree? Your father slept here overnight in 1979,” Kamket told Gideon.
"Just find a day on your calendar, when you are not busy, and come silently. We'll anoint you and hand over the traditional implements of power to you."
Gideon commands support of the Pokots, a subtribe of the Kalenjin community. He is a Tugen. The senator, however, faces resistance from a significant proportion of the Kalenjins. who see him as a hurdle to DP William Ruto's path to the presidency.
West Pokot South MP David Pkosing backed Gideon.
“A Pokot is a Pokot. They speak one language right from Uganda to West Pokot, and to East Pokot. They speak in one voice,” he said, assuring Gideon of community's unwavering support.
Gideon also received the backing of MCAs Nelson Lotela (Silale), Maria Losile (Loyamorok), Sam Lokales (Tirioko), Solomon Makal (Kolowa), Daniel Tuwit (Ripko), Ameja Zelemoi (Churo-Amaya) and Shedrack Mailuk (Tangulbei).
At the same event, Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa was given a Pokot name 'Apong' — an active wild bull. Residents thanked him for responding swiftly to their distress calls. Many of them face starvation and are in need of relief food.
Rift Valley regional coordinator Mwongo Chimwoga, Baringo Deputy Governor Mathew Tuitoek and Baringo National Drought Management Authority officer Bethwel Wafula were also present.
