Gideon Moi: I will seek unity first

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi (second left) with former Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairperson Zipporah Kittony (left), Sammy Kogo and his wife Antonette, at Turbo Constituency, Uasin Gishu yesterday. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has asked the country’s top leaders to leave a legacy of a united and cohesive nation.

He expressed displeasure with early political campaigns ahead of the 2022 elections, saying the premature campaigns will divide the country.

“We should all unite as leaders to leave a peaceful and a united country for our children. We want to build a nation that the young generation will be proud of in future,” Gideon said, and added that he will embark on a nation-wide tour to meet grassroots leaders with an aim of forging unity.

He faulted a section of leaders from the Rift Valley for sowing seeds of discord and pledged to unite the cosmopolitan region.

Gideon was speaking yesterday in Sugoi where he met a group of opinion leaders from Uasin Gishu and Kakamega counties at the home of businessman Sammy Kogo. The Baringo Senator said he will start his campaigns for the country’s top seat only when the official campaigning period begins.

“It is unfortunate that some leaders have started campaigns yet 2022 is still far. The top seat belongs to the people of Kenya and they will make a wise decision when the right time comes. I will accept defeat if Kenyans chose another leader,” he said.

The senator asked leaders to deliver on development projects and help President Uhuru Kenyatta achieve his Big Four Agenda.

He said he is laying down an elaborate plan to build friendship with key leaders and communities before the campaign period begins.

Gideon was accompanied by former nominated Senator Zipporah Kittony, former Mount Elgon MP Joseph Kimkung and a host of elders and retired chiefs from Turbo, Lugari and Likuyani constituencies.

Mr Kimkung said Gideon’s allies fully support the unity deal between President Kenyatta and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga, saying the handshake will unite Kenya.

He urged Kenyans to reject leaders seeking to succeed the president and at the same time opposing the handshake.

“The president shook hands with Raila to foster unity. We have seen some leaders attempting to have some key people in the handshake deal sidelined. We assure the Head of State that a majority of us (politicians) fully support the handshake,” Kimkung said.

Kittony also urged Gideon and other leaders eying the presidency to stop early campaigns and prepare their parties' manifestos.