Gideon Moi returns, eyes Baringo Senate seat

KANU Chairman Gideon Moi at AIC Milimani in Nakuru City during a Thanksgiving service on November 10, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] It is now official. Kanu chairman Gideon Moi will fly the independence party's flag in the November 27 by-election for the Baringo senatorial seat. The seat was declared vacant following the death of William Cheptumo on February 15 this year. In a statement signed by the Director of Communications Manasse Nyainda, the party said the decision to have Gideon run was reached after extensive extensive consultations and deliberations. "The Kenya African National Union (KANU) wishes to formally announce that, following extensive consultations, deliberations, and consensus within the party and with the people of Baringo, our National Chairman, Hon Gideon Moi, has been nominated as the party's candidate for the forthcoming Baringo Senatorial by-election," read the statement in part. The party said the decision to get Gideon contest underscored its unwavering commitment to offering experienced, visionary, and people-centered leadership at a critical juncture for Baringo County and the nation at large. "In accepting this call to serve, Gideon has expressed profound gratitude to KANU members, supporters, and the people of Baringo for their patience, confidence, and steadfast support," further read the statement. The party stated that Gideon remains committed to running a people-driven campaign anchored on inclusivity, accountability, and service to all. The party affirmed that Gideon's candidature will resonate widely with the electorate and called on its supporters in the county and the country at large to rally behind him as they embark on its campaign journey. Gideon will now contest against United Democratic Alliance candidate Vincent Kiprono Chemitei, Daisy Jeptoo Kimosop (independent), and Benjamin Chebon (independent). Chemitei emerged as the winner after garnering 48,791 votes against eight other aspirants in UDA primaries. Before the party's announcement, Baringo residents kept guessing and pushed for Gideon Moi's comeback. Locals had been all over social media pushing for his comeback, a call he answered with the announcement. "There is no other leader here in Baringo who is going to help us transform this county. In fact, for a change, for transformation and for salvation, I am telling you it is only Gideon Moi," said one Vincent Kemboi. Kemboi questioned the interest other leaders from other counties had in the seat, having flocked to the county. "We have seen leaders from other counties come here to dictate to us the kind of leaders we should elect. As Baringo residents, we need to ask ourselves why some of those who come are failures. Let's elect a leader who will help us," Kemboi said. Baringo County Assembly Leader of Minority Daniel Tuwit called on the other aspirants to step down in support of Gideon. "Gideon is our kingpin; he understands us better, and we will support him," he said. Isaiah Biwott, a resident, said they welcomed the party's decision. "Gideon has been tried and tested. He has the ability and has done us a lot. He represents the voice of the people and cannot be influenced easily," said Biwott. Stephen Marutit, another social media commentator, said the coming of Gideon was long overdue. He said he supports Gideon and will also drum up support for him. Erastus Ababu, a youth, said it is time Baringo residents redeemed themselves. Political analyst Gitile Naituli said Gideon is better placed to win the seat. "Gideon Moi will probably win that seat; he has a big chance," Prof Naituli said. Little was known about Gideon Moi before he joined active politics in 2002, when he clinched the Baringo Central Parliamentary seat. He inherited the seat from his father, who had held it for 40 years but lost it to Sammy Mwaita in 2007. Gideon made a comeback in 2013, where he whitewashed his opponent, Rev Jackson Kosgei, with over 80 per cent of the total votes cast, . He was re-elected in 2017.

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