Baringo Senator Gideon Moi will rebrand his Kanu party in Rift Valley to make it a more popular and formidable force in 2022.
Gideon, the Kanu chairman, is competing with Deputy President William Ruto for the control of Rift Valley politics. Both are eyeing the presidency.
Kanu signed a coalition agreement with the Jubilee in May.
Kanu secretary general Nick Salat this week will begin meeting regional officials to strategise on reviving Kanu, the Independence party.
Salat will be in Eldoret with party officials from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia and Nandi. He will thereafter head to other Rift counties for similar meetings.
“Kanu is doing well; we plan a series of meetings and activities with members to see how we can move forward. We will also discuss national issues," Paul Kibet, the party's Rift Valley representative, said.
Kibet, who is also the Elgeyo Marakwet Kanu chairman, said the party's network in Rift Valley remains strong and focused on having Gideon run for president.
Tentative reports indicate the national chairman intends to set up a command centre near Eldoret from where he will coordinate the party's campaign activities.
Kanu and Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) headed by former Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto are the major outfits expected to challenge Ruto’s grip on the region.
CCM secretary general Bundotich Buzeki said his party will also field candidates for all top seats, especially in Rift Valley.
“Let those in DP Ruto’s camp expect a tough battle from CCM because we will have very formidable candidates for all seats," Buzeki said.
Last month, Gideon met clerics in Eldoret but avoided talking politics.
He has been quietly working to win more formidable allies in Ruto's North Rift backyard. Key leaders include Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, Moiben MP Silas Tiren and Ainabkoi MP William Chepkut.
Gideon had a falling out last month with Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny over National Government job appointments. It’s not clear if they have reconciled following efforts by Tolgos and Tiren to end the feud.
(Edited by V. Graham)
