Gideon Moi’s return to the political ring has sparked renewed excitement — and tension — in Baringo County. The upcoming November 27 senatorial by-election has become more than a routine race; it’s a defining moment for the Moi family and a litmus test for President William Ruto’s grip on the Rift Valley.
On Thursday, Gideon, the son of Kenya’s second president, the late Daniel arap Moi, officially declared his intention to run for the Senate seat under the KANU ticket — a party that once reigned supreme in Kenya’s political landscape and which he still chairs.
For Gideon, this is not just another election. It’s a mission to reclaim his family’s lost political glory in a region his father dominated for decades. But times have changed. The Rift Valley, once the beating heart of KANU, is now firmly aligned with Ruto’s UDA, which swept the region clean in the 2022 elections.
Back then, Gideon lost the Senate race to the late William Cheptumo of UDA, while his brother Raymond Moi also suffered defeat in Rongai. Those twin losses symbolized the collapse of the Moi dynasty’s long-held political dominance.
Now, with Cheptumo’s death earlier this year creating a vacancy, Gideon sees a rare opportunity — not just to reclaim his old seat, but to prove that the Moi name still carries weight in Kenyan politics. His supporters believe that widespread frustration with the Ruto administration, amplified by last year’s Gen Z protests, could tilt the scales in his favour.
Political analysts suggest that if Gideon wins, it would send a powerful message — that even in Ruto’s backyard, discontent is brewing. It would also signal the possible rebirth of KANU, a party many had written off as a relic of the past.
President Ruto, however, appears determined to hold his ground. His appointment of Cheptumo’s widow, Hannah Wendot, as Cabinet Secretary for Gender Affairs has been seen as a strategic move to secure sympathy votes and strengthen UDA’s hold in Baringo.
Government allies have painted the appointment as a sign of compassion and leadership, arguing that Ruto stood with the Cheptumo family during their loss. Critics, however, view it as calculated politics — a way to undercut Gideon’s influence before the campaigns even begin.
Adding another twist is the role of Tiaty MP William Kamket — once Gideon’s close ally, now one of his most vocal opponents. Kamket has declared that “Baringo belongs to UDA,” insisting that no outsider can win in what he calls “Ruto’s county.”
In an October 2 statement, KANU confirmed that its chairman would indeed carry the party’s flag in the by-election. “After wide consultations with the people of Baringo, we are confident that Gideon Moi represents the vision and leadership the county deserves,” said Manasse Nyainda, KANU’s Director of Communications.
Gideon Moi will face off against UDA’s Vincent Chemitei and independent candidate Benjamin Chebon in what promises to be one of the most closely watched by-elections of the year.
As the campaign trail heats up, one question looms large: Can Gideon Moi restore the political pride of a family that once defined Kenyan politics — or will the UDA wave continue to wash over the Rift Valley unchallenged?
