A wave of discontent has hit sections of KANU supporters in Baringo County following the surprise withdrawal of party chairman Gideon Moi from the upcoming senatorial by-election. The move, which was reportedly reached after a series of meetings between Moi and President William Ruto, has sparked anger and confusion among the party’s grassroots members.
Supporters Feel Betrayed
KANU supporters in Baringo North expressed disappointment and frustration, accusing Moi of betrayal after mobilizing resources to witness his nomination at the IEBC offices in Kabarnet, only for him to fail to appear.
“We have resolved that with our chairman not being on the ballot, we will not take part in this by-election,” said Baringo North KANU Chairman Elijah Kandie, describing the turn of events as “disheartening and unclear.”
Crowds of agitated supporters later took to the streets, chanting anti-government slogans and vowing to boycott the poll. Many had gathered at Kabarnet Airstrip expecting to welcome Moi, unaware that he had withdrawn.
KANU Pulls Out, UDA Strengthens Position
KANU Secretary General George Wainaina confirmed that the party will not field a candidate in the by-election, effectively clearing the path for UDA candidate Vincent Kiprono Chemitei to face off against seven other contenders.
Chemitei, who won the UDA primaries with 48,791 votes, expressed optimism after submitting his nomination papers, calling for calm and unity among Baringo residents.
“I’m aware one or two incidents have happened, but that is how life is. I’m even more energized,” said Chemitei.
Political Reactions and Analysis
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen praised Moi’s withdrawal, terming it a “wise and unifying move.”
“He has made a very good decision. Chemitei is like a son to him, and it would not have been good for the KANU leader to compete with him. This shows maturity and leadership,” Murkomen said.
Observers, however, view the development as another indicator of KANU’s declining influence in Baringo County — once considered the political stronghold of the Moi family. In the 2022 general election, Gideon Moi lost his Senate seat to the late William Cheptumo of UDA, while KANU managed to retain only the Tiaty parliamentary seat.
The Road Ahead
The Baringo by-election, triggered by the death of Senator Cheptumo, has attracted a crowded field including Daisy Jeptoo Kimosop (Independent), Steve David Kipruto (RLP), Vincent Kipkurui Koech (UPA), Samuel Letasio (Kenya Moja Movement), Shadrack Kinet Kaplawat (ARK), Daniel Kipchirchir Kurui (UMP), Benjamin Chebon (TND), and Samson Cherop (Independent).
As political temperatures rise, Gideon Moi’s decision to pull out has left a leadership vacuum in KANU’s local ranks — and questions about the party’s long-term strategy and relevance in the evolving political landscape of Ruto’s Rift Valley stronghold.
