Baringo, Kenya — October 9, 2025
Kenya African National Union (KANU) National Chairman Gideon Moi has officially withdrawn from the Baringo Senatorial by-election, following a series of private meetings with President William Ruto.
KANU Secretary General George Wainaina confirmed the move on Wednesday, stating that the party would not field a candidate in the upcoming race, effectively clearing the way for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant Kiprono Cheburet Chemitei and five other contenders.
Behind-the-Scenes Talks with President Ruto
According to reports, President Ruto and Gideon Moi have held at least three closed-door meetings in recent weeks, during which the Head of State is said to have personally appealed to Moi to step down in favor of the UDA candidate.
The decision marks a significant political realignment between Moi and Ruto — longtime rivals whose strained relationship dates back to the 2022 General Election, when Moi unsuccessfully defended his seat against Cheptumo.
Tension During Chemitei’s Nomination
Meanwhile, Chemitei’s convoy was on Thursday confronted by angry KANU supporters near the Monument area in Kabarnet, forcing him to escape via helicopter from Kiptilit to the IEBC offices, where he successfully submitted his nomination papers.
The chaotic scenes came amid heightened political tension in Baringo following Moi’s unexpected failure to file his nomination, leaving hundreds of supporters and motorcycle taxi riders waiting for him at Kabarnet Airstrip visibly frustrated.
KANU’s Earlier Commitment and the By-Election Context
Just a week ago, KANU had announced Moi as its official candidate for the by-election, saying the move reflected its “commitment to experienced, visionary, and people-centered leadership.”
The Baringo Senatorial seat fell vacant following the death of Senator William Cheptumo on February 16, 2025. Cheptumo, who was serving his first term, had defeated Moi in the 2022 polls before passing away while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.
Political observers view Moi’s withdrawal as both a tactical retreat and a gesture of cooperation, signaling a possible warming of ties between the former KANU leader and President Ruto ahead of 2027.
