Gideon Moi Returns to Baringo Seat After Azimio Intrigues

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi gives an address
Baringo Senator Gideon Moi gives an address.
File

The Kenya African National Union (KANU) Chairman Gideon Moi will be defending his Baringo Senatorial seat in the upcoming August 9 General Election.

KANU Secretary Political Affairs Fredrick Okang'o confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, May 18, that the Senator's name will be on the ballot.

He further noted that the decision to run for whichever post lied with Moi who is yet to personally confirm even though his name has been forwarded to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

"Senator Gideon Moi is a politician like any other politician and has rights to run. He has political rights in article 38 just like any other politician. That decision lies with him and there is nothing wrong with running.

Kanu party leader Gideon Moi (left) and his Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka pictured on Sunday, May 15, 2022..jpg
Kanu party leader Gideon Moi (left) and his Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka pictured on Sunday, May 15, 2022..jpg
Kalonzo Musyoka

"We strongly believe that if he makes a decision and that party has forwarded the name then that is okay... Senator Gideon Moi will be on the ballot," stated Okang'o.

The decision is a departure from the party's earlier stance that county politics was too junior for the leader who had initially launched his own presidential bid.

When he joined Azimio la Umoja movement headed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, however, his lack of a clear stand saw him miss in the Azimio national line up.

KANU Secretary General Nick Salat had earlier confirmed to the press that Moi's name had been forwarded to the IEBC but it is still not clear if he consented to the decision.

Prior, in an address to the public regarding his Presidential run, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka revealed that he considered Moi to be his running mate but KANU's agreement in Azimio la Umoja Alliance complicated the matter.

On Wednesday, the Senator, who had been spotted at Kalonzo event, however, assured his supporters and party candidates that KANU's allegiance and support remains steadily in Azimio La Umoja One Kenya.

"Dear candidate, member and party loyalist, warmest greetings. I wish to take this opportunity to reassure you individually and collectively that we are focused on the unity of all Kenyans as per our party values of peace, love and unity.  We are actively engaged in bringing together all our political partners with whom we share ideologies.

"We, therefore, remain committed to the aspirations and guiding principles of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition and its mission of inclusivity. And to this end, we shall leave no one behind," read a letter he authored to the party candidates.

KANU Leader Gideon Moi during One Kenya Alliance meeting at Hermosa Gardens in Karen on Tuesday, July 20, 2021
KANU Leader Gideon Moi during One Kenya Alliance meeting at Hermosa Gardens in Karen on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Kenyans.co.ke