I’ve never seen him like that! Kanu SG recalls Gideon Moi’s emotional exit from Baringo Race

Kanu Secretary General George Wainaina has recounted emotional moments that preceded party chairman Gideon Moi’s decision to withdraw from the Baringo Senate race, as the independence party signals a political truce with President William Ruto.

Speaking on Friday at Kabarak during a meeting attended by President William Ruto, Wainaina said he was with Moi on Thursday, the day he was expected to present his nomination papers to the IEBC in Kabarnet.

“I have never seen him in such a state before,” Wainaina said, without providing further details.

"Others who were with us were emotional. But we said there is nothing difficult in agreeing to unite and move forward together, and that is why we are here today.”

In an apparent declaration of political direction, Wainaina told the gathering that they had pledged to support Ruto.

"If there is any Kanu member here who doesn’t know where we are heading, you'd better know that we have gone, hakuna kitu imebaki, sisi tumeenda,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

President Ruto also addressed the more than 3,000 Kanu delegates and supporters who gathered at Kabarak for what was billed as a landmark reconciliation meeting. He told the gathering that he had persuaded Moi to withdraw his bid.

The event comes barely a day after Moi withdrew from the Baringo Senate race, ending speculation over his next political move.

On Thursday, the Kanu chairman did not appear before the IEBC to submit his nomination papers, leaving supporters surprised.

His withdrawal cleared the way for UDA’s Kiprono Chemitei, who was later cleared by the electoral body.

Sources indicate Moi’s decision followed a Wednesday meeting with President Ruto at State House, where he was reportedly persuaded to step aside in favour of the UDA candidate. 

Several UDA leaders, including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, arrived early at the Kabarak residence ahead of the President’s visit.

Moi reportedly held a private meeting with senior Kanu officials before the main session.

Reports suggest Kanu has agreed to cooperate with the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 elections, though it remains unclear whether Moi will assume a formal role in government.

In a brief remark before Ruto’s arrival, Moi welcomed the guests warmly but kept his message short.

"Karibuni sana. Sina mengi leo, hii mkutano ni ya Rais,” he said, signalling a new chapter in Kanu’s political journey.

The visit marks the first time President Ruto has visited the Moi family home in years.

In 2019, while serving as Deputy President, Ruto was reportedly denied access to the late retired President Daniel Arap Moi, an incident that strained relations between the two families.

Friday’s meeting at Kabarak, however, appears to have turned that page, potentially redefining alliances in the Rift Valley and beyond.