Gideon Moi Expected to Receive Cabinet Appointment in Major Reshuffle

President William Ruto is preparing to announce a major Cabinet reshuffle that is expected to bring Kanu chairman Gideon Moi into his administration as part of an expanded “broad-based government.”

The anticipated changes follow the death of opposition leader Raila Odinga, whose partnership with President Ruto had sustained the coalition formed after last year’s political unrest. Raila had played a key role in reconciling Ruto and Moi, longtime political rivals whose new cooperation marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape. 

With Odinga’s absence, the president now faces growing pressure to preserve political balance and stability ahead of the 2027 General Election. Sources close to both camps say the reconciliation between Ruto and Moi was finalised after several private meetings held in Nairobi, Kabarak, and Dubai over the past two months. 

The talks led to Moi’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming Baringo Senate by-election, clearing the way for a ruling coalition candidate. The agreement reportedly opens the door for Kanu’s return to government, with Moi and several of his allies expected to receive senior appointments. 

Among the positions under discussion is the Roads and Transport docket, currently held by Davis Chirchir. Insiders suggest Chirchir could be reassigned to make way for Moi, though State House has maintained that all ministerial appointments remain at the president’s discretion.

Kanu Secretary-General George Wainaina described the partnership as a “unity-based collaboration” aimed at promoting national cohesion, rather than a political trade-off. He confirmed that party technical teams are finalising the details, which include possible appointments of Kanu loyalists as principal secretaries, ambassadors, and heads of state agencies.

For Gideon Moi, the son of former President Daniel arap Moi, the agreement marks a major political comeback after years of limited influence. Once a fierce rival of Ruto in the Rift Valley, he now stands to play a significant role within the government.

Sources within the ruling alliance suggest Moi could not only join the Cabinet but also be considered for the post of Deputy Prime Cabinet Secretary, a position ranking just below President Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Mr Wainaina sought to downplay speculation over political rewards, insisting that Kanu’s participation in government is driven by national interest. However, several of Moi’s close associates, among them former Baringo Woman Representative Gladwell Tungo, Kanu Vice Chairman Ibrahim Sheikh, and former Cabinet minister Samuel Poghisio, are being mentioned as potential appointees once the reshuffle is announced.

The agreement is also understood to include the resolution of longstanding commercial disputes involving companies linked to the Moi family. Sources indicate that part of the understanding involves the settlement of nearly Sh3 billion in payments owed to Moi-owned firms for work carried out with the Geothermal Development Company. The dispute has persisted for years and was a source of tension between the family and previous administrations.

Analysts view the Ruto–Moi alliance as an extension of the president’s “broad-based government” strategy, launched in March 2025 through a cooperation pact with Raila Odinga. That arrangement brought several opposition leaders, including Wycliffe Oparanya, Ali Hassan Joho, and John Mbadi, into the Cabinet in a bid to promote inclusivity and speed up development.

Following Raila's death, Ruto appears intent on strengthening his alliances across the political spectrum. Bringing Moi into the government could help stabilise the Rift Valley vote base while projecting an image of unity ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the reshuffle may also heighten tensions within the ruling coalition, as it could unsettle existing power arrangements.

Speaking earlier this month at Kabarak, President Ruto defended his outreach efforts, saying the initiative was not about personal gain but about combining efforts to advance national progress. 

“This is not about individuals or parties,” he said. “It is about Kenya and the future we are building together.”