GEDION MOI POLITICAL COMEBACK STIFLES RUTO'S CANDIDATE

KANU chairman Gideon Moi is set to make a political comeback after a three-year break, having been nominated by his party to vie for the Baringo senatorial seat in the November 27 by-election - a move that has disrupted what was seen as a walkover to UDA.

Moi, who was Baringo’s first senator in 2013 successfully defended the seat in 2017 but lost to William Cheptumo of UDA in 2022. The seat was declared vacant February after Cheptumo’s death due to a short illness.

In a statement released on Thursday, KANU confirmed that Moi had been unanimously endorsed by the party following “extensive consultations, deliberations, and consensus.”

“The Kenya African National Union (KANU) wishes to formally announce that our National Chairman, Hon. Gideon Moi, has been nominated as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming Baringo Senatorial by-election,” the party said. “This decision underscores our commitment to providing experienced, visionary, and people-centred leadership at a critical juncture for Baringo and the nation.”

Accepting the nomination, Moi expressed gratitude to the party and the people of Baringo, pledging to run a people-driven campaign focused on inclusivity, accountability, and service delivery. If elected, he would return to the Senate for a third term.

Gedion, who is the son of the late President Daniel Moi sets to counter UDA's Kiprono Chemitei, who was nominated to replace their deceased senator.

The Baringo senatorial contest will take place alongside 23 other by-elections across the country, including 17 wards in 14 counties and six constituencies.

Moi was also part of the broader Azimio coalition during the 2022 campaigns, where he was tipped for a ministerial post had the alliance won. However, his hopes were dashed after Azimio’s defeat and his own loss UDA in his Baringo turf.
Since then, he has kept a low political profile, and his return is now expected to stir turbulence after a prolonged lull.