KANU Chairman, Gideon Moi formally kicked off his State House bid by seeking the endorsement of the party’s delegates on Thursday, September 30.
The event hosted at Bomas of Kenya was graced by big political figures in the country led by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.
Other leaders present were One Kenya Alliance principals, Musalia Mudavadi who is Amani National Congress (ANC) leader, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Senator Moses Wetangula who also doubles up as FORD-Kenya party leader missed the event but was represented by Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa.
Other top leaders who graced the event include Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, Adan Keynan MP Eldas, Amos Kimunya MP Kipipiri, Abdulkadir Haji Garissa senator, West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio, Kieni MP Kanini Kega among other leaders.
Former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, former speaker Farah Maalim led other retired political leaders who attended the event.
Kanu Secretary-General Nick Salat termed the conference as historic, aimed at shaping and preparing Gideon to take up the mantle of leadership from President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Raila who addressed the delegates welcomed the move for KANU to endorse Gideon's presidency.
The ODM leader first conveyed special greetings from President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"Gideon called me on Wednesday telling me that KANU will host a major function and I vowed to attend the event," Raila noted.
He advised Gideon to take up the endorsement and battle it up with other candidates for the top seat.
Gideon had earlier taken over former President Daniel Moi, a symbol of power that signaled he was ready to take over the mantle of leadership
Salat noted that the party's National Executive Council had trained its artilleries and settled on Moi for the State House race.
“We have been reaching out to various interest groups and we are ready to rise to the occasion by offering leadership to this country,” said Salat, adding: “If party members feel we have someone to go for the big seat; it is the members who will endorse. I want to assure members we will not let them down because I know this will be a different Kanu moving forward.”
Gideon's decision to go for the top seat will end the independence party’s more than 15 years of political hiatus in the presidential race.
In his speech, Gideon stated he has heeded the call of the people and he is ready to succeed Uhuru in the 2022 General Election.
"The voice of the people is the voice of God and I’m obliged to heed your call to serve as it is the only patriotic thing to do. I take great pleasure in the tremendous lessons I have drawn from these experiences and if there is one thing I’m certain about is that it is possible to make this country great for you and for me," Moi remarked.
