The KANU National Youth Congress has publicly distanced itself from the reported political alliance between party chairman Gideon Moi and President William Ruto, leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Addressing the media on Tuesday at KANU headquarters in Nairobi, the youth faction—led by National Chairperson Shanice Matara—said they were not consulted before or after last week’s meeting between the two leaders. The meeting reportedly led to Moi’s withdrawal from the Baringo senatorial race ahead of the upcoming by-elections.
Following the meeting, KANU Secretary-General George Wainaina announced that the party would not field a candidate in the Baringo race, effectively clearing the way for UDA’s Kiprono Chemitei and five other contenders. However, the youth congress has condemned the decision, terming it a betrayal of KANU’s founding principles.
In a statement, the group said it “fully dissociates” from any alleged pact between Moi and Ruto, emphasizing that KANU’s ideology is grounded in accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law—values they claim the current administration has consistently violated.
“Our values as the youth and as a party are founded on accountability, transparency, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law,” the statement read. “No coalition or partnership can salvage a regime that disregards constitutional governance.”
The youth congress further criticized what it termed the government’s record of abductions, enforced disappearances, human rights abuses, corruption, and blatant disregard for the rule of law, insisting that such practices are irreconcilable with KANU’s ideology.
They also dismissed the government’s push for a so-called broad-based government, describing it as a “fallacy and the last kicks of a dying horse.”
