Fresh political tremors are rippling across the Rift Valley after photos surfaced showing KANU Chairman Gideon Moi at State House Nairobi, seated alongside President William Ruto — a sight that has stirred speculation over Moi’s next political move amid reports he may have withdrawn from the Baringo Senatorial by-election.
The images, which emerged on Thursday afternoon, come barely days after insiders hinted that Moi was reconsidering his bid to reclaim the seat he once held before his 2022 defeat. His State House appearance — with a president long seen as a political rival — has raised eyebrows and renewed talk of possible realignments within the Rift Valley’s political landscape.
If confirmed, Moi’s withdrawal would reshape the contest widely billed as a litmus test for both the ruling UDA party and the once-dominant KANU. The race, scheduled for November 27, 2025, has already drawn an array of political heavyweights and fresh faces, each seeking to sway the influential Baringo vote.
Who’s Who in the Baringo By-Election Race
- Vincent “Kiprono” Chemitei – UDA
The youthful Chemitei, now officially cleared by the IEBC, is flying the flag for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) after emerging victorious in the party’s competitive primaries. He recently met President Ruto at State House, where the Head of State lauded his nomination victory — a gesture many interpret as a full show of government backing. - Gideon Moi – KANU
The KANU chairman and son of the late former President Daniel arap Moi had announced his intention to contest, setting the stage for what was expected to be a rematch between him and the ruling party. However, his latest meeting with President Ruto has left observers questioning whether Moi is opting out or forging a new alliance altogether. - Former UDA Aspirants
Before Chemitei’s nomination, the UDA race attracted a packed field of contenders, including Linus Kamket, Reuben Chepsongol, Silas Tochim, Daniel Kiptoo Korir, Isaac Kirikmet, and Wycliffe Tobole Kipsang — all of whom brought regional clout and strong grassroots networks. - Independent and Other Candidates
Other names mentioned include Simon Chelugui, Isaiah Kirukmet, Gilbert Malema, Victor Chepkunur, and Felix Chelaite, some of whom are rumored to be considering independent runs should party tickets elude them.
Political Undercurrents and National Implications
The by-election, triggered by the vacancy in Baringo’s Senate seat, has become more than a local contest — it’s a symbolic duel for influence between the Ruto administration and remnants of Moi-era politics.
Political analysts suggest Moi’s appearance at State House could signal an effort to mend long-standing rifts or secure KANU’s survival through cooperation with the government side. Others view it as a strategic retreat, allowing younger leaders like Chemitei to take the political front line.
Either way, the images from State House have injected new uncertainty and intrigue into an already heated campaign. With just weeks to the poll, Baringo now stands at the center of Kenya’s shifting political equations — a county once defined by the Moi legacy, now testing whether that legacy can still shape its future.
