Gideon Moi out, but UDA faces tough fight in race

KANU Chairman Gideon Moi making a presentation during the Democracy Union of Africa Forum (DUA) 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

The withdrawal of Kanu party chairperson Gideon Moi from the Baringo senatorial by-election was initially perceived as a major boost for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Gideon, who was to fly Kanu’s flag in the November 27 by-election, later pulled out after failing to present his nomination papers in October. His withdrawal followed what officials described as “negotiations” between him and President William Ruto.

President Ruto has publicly defended Gideon’s decision, revealing that he personally initiated the talks that led to the truce.

“I am the one who went looking for Gideon, and I pleaded with him, because the destiny of this country is far greater than what I and any other leader can get. Pulling together, we can take this country to the next level,” Ruto said at a meeting in Kabarak, Nakuru County.

The President further appealed to Kanu and Gideon’s supporters to allow him to work with the former senator at the national level, emphasising that the handshake was driven by development interests rather than political personalities.

Despite the truce and Gideon’s exit, UDA is not cruising to an easy victory. Six candidates remain in the contest to fill the seat left vacant following the death of Senator William Cheptumo.

They are Kiprono Cheburet (UDA), Steve David Kipruto (Republican Liberty Party – RLP), Daniel Kipchirchir Kirui (United Movement Party – UMP), Shadrack Kaplawat (Alliance for Real Change – ARK), Benjamin Chebon (The New Democrats) and, Samuel Letasio (Kenya Modern Movement – KMM)

Unlike the charged UDA primaries, the by-election campaigns have been notably subdued, yet the competition is tightening rapidly. What began as a crowded race is morphing into a fierce contest among key front-runners, with the rest hustling to remain visible in the final stretch.

UDA’s Kiprono Cheburet enters the race with the advantage of a ruling party’s support, including endorsements by senior politicians who have toured the region drumming up votes for him. During his October visit to Baringo, President Ruto and other leaders urged residents to back the UDA candidate.

UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar has exuded confidence that the party will retain the seat.

However, The Standard has independently established that government officials attempted—unsuccessfully—to persuade some candidates to step down in favour of Cheburet.

The stiff resistance has exposed an emerging sentiment among voters who appear keen to separate competency from political loyalty. One of Cheburet’s strongest challengers, lawyer Steve David Kipruto, has been running an aggressive door-to-door campaign appealing for votes based on professional merit.

Human rights activist Isaiah Biwott is among those pushing this narrative.

“Those we send to Parliament should be trained to be able to legislate, oversight and represent Baringo well. Let the people of Baringo not choose a candidate because he's wearing UDA colours,” said Biwott.

He argues that Baringo’s next senator must possess the skill to perform in Parliament, not merely the backing of a powerful party.

“Chemitei does not have those abilities and the competency to represent Baringo in the Senate, but he's just a good driver on the highways. Steve David Kipruto has the ability. Let’s reward competency and not party theatrics,” he stated.