President William Ruto is welcomed by Kanu national chairman Gideon Moi on arrival in Kabarak for a Kanu grassroots delegates meeting, October 10, 2025. /GIDEON MOI/XPresident William Ruto has disclosed that he personally asked Kanu national chairman Gideon Moi to withdraw from the upcoming Baringo senatorial by-election — a request he says Moi “respectfully” honoured.
The November 27 by-election had been widely viewed as Gideon’s potential political comeback after three years in the cold, following his 2022 defeat to UDA’s Samuel Chepkonga.
But a day before presenting his nomination papers to the IEBC, the Kanu boss led a party delegation to State House, Nairobi, where he met President Ruto and agreed to step down.
Speaking on Tuesday in Baringo during the inspection of the Marigat–Mochongoi Road, Ruto said the decision followed a conversation aimed at fostering reconciliation after years of political tension between them.
“I called my brother Gideon and told him he’s my age mate. I asked him respectfully, and in turn, he respected me and said that we should unite and allow the youth to carry on with this work while we plan ahead,” the President told residents.
Ruto added that unity among leaders was essential for national progress, noting that Gideon’s gesture would help the government achieve its development agenda, including road construction and infrastructure expansion.
Ruto's revelation points to the rare thaw in long-frosty relations with the Moi family as UDA consolidates its political grip in the Rift Valley.
The President used the occasion to drum up support for UDA’s candidate in the Baringo Senate race, Kiprono Chemitei.
Earlier in the day, Ruto had met grassroots leaders from Nakuru at the Nakuru State Lodge, part of a broader series of engagements across the Rift Valley ahead of the by-election.
"We reflected on the milestones we have achieved in strengthening our economy, enhancing agricultural production and productivity, expanding our road network, and advancing the dream of affordable housing for all," Ruto said.
Two days after the State House meeting, Gideon issued a statement on X confirming his decision to step aside, framing it as a gesture of unity and shared purpose.
“At this crucial point in our nation, we have elected to pursue the path of unity and shared purpose. As such, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Baringo for their support and granting us a chance to move beyond our differences and mold a cohesive and prosperous nation,” he said.
The Kanu chair made the remarks after hosting Kanu grassroots delegates from Baringo county at his Kabarak home in Nakuru, a meeting also attended by President Ruto.
On Tuesday, Kanu hosted the 2025 Democracy Union of Africa (DUA) conference in Nairobi, where Gideon emphasised the role of center-right political parties in advancing democratic values.
“This is an opportunity for center-right political parties to analyse their progress in fulfilling their fundamental values,” he said.
The event, attended by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, and Ghanaian MP and SME Global Vice President Samuel Awuku, also explored Africa’s strategic positioning in a multipolar world — a discussion Gideon described as “critical for balanced and mutually beneficial future partnerships.”
