The decision by Kanu boss Gideon Moi to withdraw from the Baringo senator by-election and work with President William Ruto has attracted support and praise from majority of Kenya Kwanza leaders in the Rift Valley region.
Gideon was expected to vie for the seat but withdrew at the last minute after a meeting with Ruto at State House that was followed by another one in Kabarak, where the two leaders met with Kanu supporters.
MPs from the region, led by David Kiplagat of Soy, Julius Rutto of Kesses, Prof Phyllis Bartoo of Moiben and Paul Biego of Chesumei welcomed the move by Gideon, saying it would solidify support for Ruto in the region and other parts of the country.
“President Ruto has proved that he is ready to work with all leaders and all Kenyans so that we move forward as one nation. Ruto is not like those others whose interest is tribal and regional politics,” MP Rutto said.
He said Gideon should go ahead and solidify a working relationship with the President and UDA so that the region can support Ruto as he works to develop the country.
The MP said other leaders, including Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, should also join the broad-based government instead of wasting time with opposition politics that will not benefit anyone or the country.
“We call upon Kalonzo and others to learn from what Gideon has done and also join the government because it’s meant to unite the country and have all regions benefit from the national cake equally,” Rutto said.
Kiplagat and Biego said they are happy with the political moves taken by the President to ensure he works with leaders from all parts of the country.
“The government is for all Kenyans and that is why the President wants everyone to be part of it. We are happy with the decision taken by Gideon to consider unity and not selfish gains,” Kiplagat said.
The leaders spoke at Kaptuktuk Primary School in Uasin Gishu County where they were with Education PS Julius Bitok.
Kiplagat said President Ruto would easily win a second term with over 75 per cent of votes during the next elections because of his good work and efforts to unite the country.
“Those talking of one term are daydreaming because our President has done very well across the country and Kenyans will support him for a second term and that he completes the good work he has initiated in all parts of the country,” Kiplagat said.
Biego said they would work with leaders from other parts of the country to campaign and ensure that President Ruto wins a second term during the next elections.
Bitok said success had been achieved in President Ruto’s efforts to streamline the education sector both at basic level and higher education.
