By TWV Staff Reporter
The perennial rivalry between Kanu and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is set to resurface in Baringo County after the independence party endorsed its chairman, Gideon Moi, to contest the forthcoming senatorial by-election.
The endorsement is expected to open a fresh political warpath between President William Ruto and Gideon Moi, his long-time nemesis, in the battle for supremacy over the Rift Valley vote.
During delegates’ meetings held across all six sub-counties in Baringo, Kanu resolved that Moi, the party chairman and former senator, would be its flag bearer in the by-election scheduled for 27 November 2025. The meetings also deliberated on Kanu’s broader strategy as it prepares for the 2027 general election.
Supporters dismissed suggestions that the party had lost its grip on the region following the passing of retired President Daniel arap Moi. “We only recognise Gideon Moi as our de facto leader. Baringo is a Kanu zone and we want to reinstall him with landslide votes,” declared Baringo North Kanu chairman Elijah Kandie.
Party members further claimed Moi’s 2022 defeat was fuelled by “unfounded lies and propaganda” that alleged he supported banditry. Moi has not yet commented on the endorsement, but analysts suggest he may be testing the political waters after years in the cold.
Meanwhile, UDA is struggling with internal divisions over its choice of candidate. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently convened a six-hour meeting at his Karen residence with 12 aspirants, hoping to broker a consensus, but the talks collapsed. Some aspirants favour consensus while others insist that voters should decide through party nominations.
Those eyeing the UDA ticket include Daniel Kiptoo, Wycliffe Tobole, Victor Sumukwo Chepkunur, Linus Kamket, Vincent Chemitei, Emanuel Ngetuny, and Evans Bett Mundulel. Other contenders in the wider race include Isaiah Kirukmet, Reuben Chepsongol, and former Tourism Fund CEO Joseph Cherutoi. Deputy President Kindiki has promised a free and transparent nomination process if primaries are held on 20 September.
The by-election is widely viewed as a litmus test for UDA’s political dominance in Baringo and the Rift Valley against Kanu’s bid for revival.
However, University of Eldoret lecturer and political communication expert Dr Philip Chebunet is sceptical about Kanu’s chances. “The best strategic option for Gideon Moi and Kanu might be to join the broad-based government rather than remain isolated. For too long, the party has stayed aloof, so much so that many Kenyans are unsure whether it is still alive or dead politically,” he observed.
Kanu’s dwindling influence was laid bare in 2022 when Gideon Moi lost to the late William Cheptumo, a Ruto ally who secured 141,777 votes against Moi’s 71,480. The party also lost the woman representative seat to UDA, retaining only the Tiaty parliamentary seat through William Kamket. In a further blow to the Moi dynasty, Gideon’s elder brother, Raymond Moi, lost the Rongai parliamentary seat to UDA’s Paul Chebor.
The decline of the Moi family’s once formidable political clout has been compounded by Ruto’s rise. Gideon Moi had at one time dismissed Ruto’s presidential ambitions as “far-fetched”, only for Ruto to ascend to State House while Moi was humiliated in his own backyard.
As the by-election approaches, all eyes will be on Baringo to see whether Moi can mount a credible comeback or whether UDA will tighten its grip on the Rift Valley. For Kanu, the contest represents more than just a seat in the Senate; it is a battle for survival in Kenya’s shifting political landscape.
