Ruto, Gideon Moi Hold Private Talks at State House

President William Ruto and KANU chairman Gideon Moi held a private meeting at State House, Nairobi, to discuss the upcoming Baringo Senate by-election set for 27 November.

According to sources close to the presidency, the talks focused on persuading Mr Moi to withdraw his candidacy in favour of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominee, Vincent Chemitei. While officials at State House indicated that Mr Moi agreed to step aside, KANU representatives stated that he had not committed to the proposal and would consult further with party leadership before making a final decision.

This meeting is only the second known face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since the 2022 General Election. The first took place in Dubai during Mr Moi’s return from the United States. Mr Moi’s decision to attend a meeting at State House has been viewed by political observers as a potential signal of easing tensions between the two former rivals.

Analysts suggest the president’s outreach reflects concern within the ruling coalition over the possible impact of a UDA defeat in Baringo. The county, located in the Rift Valley, is considered a key indicator of regional political strength. A loss could weaken UDA’s standing and increase internal pressure from factions associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The by-election was triggered by the death of Senator William Cheptumo, who won the seat in 2022 with 65.38 percent of the vote. Mr Moi, the runner-up in that contest, received 33.11 percent. Despite the result, he recently declared his intention to run again, prompting renewed negotiations behind the scenes.

Discussions at State House are also said to have touched on business interests linked to the Moi family, which sources claim have come under pressure during President Ruto’s term. Although details remain limited, the mention of economic matters suggests the talks extended beyond electoral strategy.

Mr Moi was accompanied to the meeting by KANU Secretary-General George Wainaina and former Baringo Woman Representative Gladwell Cheruiyot. The president is said to have proposed that Mr Moi consider contesting the Senate seat again in 2027 instead, but the KANU leader reportedly withheld a firm response, choosing instead to seek input from party officials.

Since the 2022 elections, KANU’s presence in Baringo has diminished, retaining only the Tiaty parliamentary seat, now lost to UDA following MP William Kamket’s defection. Mr Kamket, now aligned with President Ruto, said he was unaware of the recent State House meeting when contacted.