In a rare show of political reconciliation, President William Ruto on Friday, October 10, visited KANU Chairman Gideon Moi at Kabarak, Nakuru County, marking the latest signal of shifting alliances in Kenya’s Rift Valley politics.
Moi, in his statement after the meeting, underscored the need for unity and gratitude to his supporters in Baringo.
“We’ve elected to pursue the path of unity and shared purpose at this crucial point in our nation. As such, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Baringo for their support and for granting us a chance to move beyond our differences and mold a cohesive and prosperous nation," Moi said.
The gathering at Kabarak was attended by senior government officials, KANU representatives, and local leaders from Nakuru and Baringo. While official statements framed it as a grassroots consultation, the optics of the event pointed to a solidifying of relations and a possible realignment within the Rift Valley political landscape.
Moi further emphasised the spirit of togetherness as the foundation for progress.
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“Our country needs unity more than ever. This is the time to look forward and work together for the common good of all Kenyans," he said.
President Ruto echoed similar sentiments, framing the engagement as part of a broader push for political cooperation and national cohesion.
“The necessity of national unity demands that all of us rise above that which divides us so that we work together on the transformation agenda that is urgent in our country. We must, therefore, put aside politics that could cause division and become partners in the national endeavour to get Kenya out of Third World status and make it a prosperous country that works for all citizens," Ruto stated.
Ruto added that KANU, under Moi’s leadership, had agreed to collaborate with the Kenya Kwanza government to address key national challenges.
“Attended a KANU grassroots meeting, Kabarak, Nakuru County, where the party agreed to work with Kenya Kwanza under the broad-based government. Glad that KANU, under the leadership of Chairman Gideon Moi, will work with us to address the challenges facing our country," President Ruto divulged.
Moi Withdraws From Baringo Senate Race
The Kabarak meeting came just days after KANU had confirmed that Moi would vie for the Baringo Senatorial seat in the forthcoming by-election, a contest that would have marked his return to elective politics after his 2022 loss.
However, in the wake of his meeting with Ruto, KANU Secretary General George Wainaina announced that Moi had dropped out of the race.
Moi’s decision came shortly after he held a separate meeting with Ruto at State House earlier in the week, where the two are reported to have discussed cooperation between their political formations.
From Rivalry to Reconciliation
The renewed engagement between Ruto and Moi marks a significant moment in their political journey, considering the deep-rooted rivalry that has defined their relationship for more than a decade.
Both leaders hail from the Rift Valley, a region that has long been a political stronghold and a key battleground in national elections.
Their strained relationship traces back to the early 2000s, when Ruto began building his own political base independent of the late former President Daniel Arap Moi, Gideon’s father.
During the 2022 General Election, Moi backed Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja coalition, while Ruto led Kenya Kwanza to victory. Their divergent political paths kept them apart, with KANU remaining largely in opposition since.
Friday’s Kabarak meeting, therefore, stood out as a symbolic reconciliation; one that rekindled memories of Rift Valley’s once-unified political bloc.
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