- President William Ruto revealed that he convinced KANU chairman Gideon Moi to withdraw from the Baringo senatorial by-election
- He said the decision came after private talks focused on reconciliation and unity in the Rift Valley
- During his visit to the Baringo region, Ruto ventured into supporting the UDA candidate, Kiprono Chemitei
President William Ruto revealed that KANU national chairman Gideon Moi resigned from the upcoming Baringo senatorial by-election after he himself asked him to do so.
Source: Facebook
Ruto said he reached out to Moi to encourage political reconciliation, describing the talks as a time for mutual respect and maturity.
How Ruto convinced Gideon Moi to give up his ambition to run for the Baringo senatorship
According to the president, Moi accepted the request as a goodwill gesture to reduce political tension in the Rift Valley and promote unity among leaders.
Speaking in Baringo county during the inspection of the Marigat-Mochongoi Road, Ruto said he approached Moi as a friend and colleague, asking him to let young leaders take over.
“I spoke to my brother Gideon and told him that we are of the same generation. I asked him, in good faith, to allow the youth to take responsibility as we plan the next steps,” Ruto said, noting that Moi received the message with grace and understanding.
The President added that Gideon’s decision was a sign of leadership and cooperation, saying it will strengthen the government’s focus on infrastructure development and economic growth in the area.
Did Ruto campaign for the UDA candidate in the Baringo by-election?
He also said that unity among leaders was important for stability and national development.
During his speech, Ruto urged Baringo residents to support the UDA candidate, Kiprono Chemitei, in the November 27 referendum, describing him as a promising young leader.
“This young man has passed the exam. I ask you to support him. He is like my son,” Ruto told the crowd.
The withdrawal also brought unexpected changes in the by-election, which was seen as a return to Gideon Moi politically after his defeat in 2022 by Samuel Chepkonga of the UDA.
Source: Facebook
Murkomen enters the campaign a few days after Babu Owino’s request
Minister of Interior Dating Murkomenwho joined Ruto on the campaign trail, praised the head of state for his dedication to mentoring young leaders.
Murkomen said Ruto was instrumental in shaping the political journeys of several leaders, including himself, Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot, Nandi governor Stephen Sang, and Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek, among others.
He recalled how Ruto guided him during his early days in politics, helping him grow into a national celebrity.
“When I was elected to the Senate, I was younger than Chemitei, only 30 years old. You led me until I became known throughout Kenya, and later you trusted me with another role as Cabinet secretary,” Murkomen said.
He urged the president to extend the advice to Chemitei, the UDA candidate in the Baringo by-election.
“Sir, I pray on behalf of the new generation, lead Chemitei as you did for us. People will vote for him, but they will help him to be a good leader,” he added.
Interestingly, Murkomen’s appearance came just one day after the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East Grandfather Owino file a petition in court seeking to prevent Cabinet secretaries and other government officials from participating in political campaigns or related activities.
How did the residents of Baringo react to Gideon withdrawing from the race?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that Baringo residents expressed frustration after Gideon Moi failed to submit his nomination papers for the upcoming senatorial by-election.
He was scheduled to appear before the IEBC in Kabarnet on October 9 but did not appear within the scheduled time.
Thousands of his supporters, who had gathered at the Kabarnet Airport to escort him to the IEBC offices, were left disappointed when news spread that he would not be attending.
Shortly after, protests broke out in Kabarnet Town as angry residents took to the streets chanting anti-government slogans and declaring that there would be no elections without Moi’s participation.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
