Ruto-Moi handshake: Why Rift Valley is shaken

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi and President William Ruto after a meeting at State House, Nairobi, on October 9, 2025. [PCS]

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi’s decision to work with President William Ruto is expected to significantly reshape Kenya’s political landscape—particularly in the Rift Valley region, where both leaders hail from.

The two have a political history, having worked closely since 2002 when Gideon was elected MP for Baringo Central. They remained in Kanu alongside Uhuru Kenyatta, who later succeeded former President Daniel arap Moi as party leader.