Gideon Moi's no-show causes jitters ahead of Baringo by-election

Protests erupted in Baringo following former Senator Gideon Moi’s no-show to present his papers for the by-elections slated on November 27.

The Kanu chairman was expected to present his nomination papers for clearance by IEBC, but kept his supporters waiting for hours on end.

Youths chanting anti-government slogans hit the streets with a clarion call that there would be no elections without the Kanu supremo.

This was after they were left stranded at the Baringo Airstrip, where they had plans to mount a grand reception for the former Senator upon his arrival.

Reports indicated that Gideon’s campaign manager was ready for the presentation of the papers and that helicopters had been hired and a large Kanu contingent mobilised.

But despite the pomp, the former Senator did not show up.

The developments came following talks Gideon held with President William Ruto at State House on Wednesday, where they reportedly reached common ground on a number of issues.

Sources aware of the intrigues said meeting resolved that he drops out of the race. The meeting reportedly featured intrigues of how the family treated Ruto in the previous years.

In 2018, Ruto was barred from seeing deceased President Daniel Moi at his Kabarak home, unlike Uhuru Kenyatta who had unfettered access.

It is reported that the President asked Gideon to aim higher and leave the Senate race to younger, upcoming politicians.

UDA has nominated a 31-year-old Kiprono Cherubet as the seat's flagbearer, which fell vacant after the death of William Cheptumo.

“They agreed to leave the seat to UDA to finish the time left,and then Kanu can fight back in 2027,” the source said.

A number of MPs from Baringo accompanied Gideon to the high-level deliberations. It is said Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir were also present.

Other sources indicated that among the issues explored was whether Gideon could be handed a post of Cabinet Secretary, possibly for Infrastructure.

In what could give credence to the machinations, Kanu spokesman Cornelius Rono threw in the towel. “Game over,” he said in a tweet, without explaining further.

The high-stakes drama unfolds against a backdrop of a long-standing rivalry for control of the Rift Valley, Baringo being the bedrock of the Moi political dynasty.

In a major political upset, Cheptumo had defeated Gideon Moi in the 2022 general election.

For Gideon, therefore, the race was about more than just a Senate seat, but a bid to redeem his political standing.

It was also a chance to redeem the legacy of the Moi family after their influence was significantly diminished in the last election.

His return to the race was officially announced by Kanu on October 2, a call that set the stage for a bruising battle with the ruling UDA party.

Gideon Moi's entry was poised to rekindle his long-standing rivalry with President Ruto, whose UDA party had vowed to teach Moi a "political lesson" in the 2022 general election.

The contest was being watched nationally as a litmus test for the political supremacy in the Rift Valley region.

Observers hold that the sudden withdrawal of a key player like Gideon creates a complex and volatile situation for the players.

For Kanu, the party has little window left to regroup and decide whether to support another candidate, considering yesterday was the deadline for submission of nomination papers.

In the circumstances, it has no option but to cede the ground to UDA, amid fears the events could stage a low turnout.

The spokesman's "Game over" tweet suggests a swift and total ceasefire, which has not sat well with the party's base.

The protests indicated that a segment of the population feels betrayed by backroom dealings, potentially fueling further disillusionment.

For Gideon, if the speculation of a Cabinet Secretary position is accurate, his political path could be headed for a major shift.

By moving from an elected representative to an appointed official, the move could redefine his role in national politics.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The grand battle for the soul of the Rift Valley has been called off before a single ballot was cast, not by the voters, but in the halls of State House. As such, the political landscape of Baringo has been dramatically altered not by the ballot box, but by the strategic retreat negotiated in the corridors of power. The November 27 election will proceed, but the shadow of Gideon's no-show will loom large over the result, according to pundits.