Gideon Moi Breaks Silence on Ruto Deal, Reveals What He Plans to Do Before 2027 Elections

KANU chairman Gideon Moi has apologised to residents of Baringo County over his decision to withdraw from the 2025 Senate by-election, saying his political understanding with President William Ruto did not turn out as expected.

Speaking at his Kabarak home in Nakuru County on Friday, October 23, 2026, Moi addressed KANU officials and opinion leaders, revisiting the circumstances that led him to step aside from the contest for the Baringo Senate seat.

Moi withdrew from the race on October 9, 2025, after holding meetings with Ruto at State House in Nairobi and later at Kabarak. His decision cleared the way for the ruling United Democratic Alliance candidate to face no major rival in the November 27 by-election.

The seat had fallen vacant following the death of Senator William Cheptumo in February 2025. Moi had previously represented Baringo in the Senate between 2013 and 2022 before losing the seat to Cheptumo.

The political understanding between Moi and Ruto, which appeared to ease their longstanding rivalry, later deteriorated following disagreements over several issues.

One of the major points of conflict emerged in June 2026 when Ruto publicly criticised the Standard Group, the media company associated with the Moi family. On June 24, the President accused the media house of using its coverage to pressure his administration.

Ruto subsequently made further allegations against the company, while the Standard Group denied the claims and said the government owed it KSh 1.2 billion.

Addressing the gathering in Kabarak, Moi reportedly argued that the dispute over the media organisation was being used to target him personally. He also pointed out that his family was not the only shareholder in the Standard Group.

Moi further raised concerns over a five-acre piece of land belonging to his family in Eldoret. According to the family’s lawyer, armed police officers had moved onto the property without an eviction notice, despite the family holding title to the land since 1996.

The KANU chairman also cited other grievances, including alleged broken promises, personal attacks and the reported abduction of a member of his staff.

His remarks marked a significant change from the political cooperation witnessed in October 2025, when he withdrew from the Senate race following his discussions with Ruto.

Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Moi indicated that he intended to pursue a political path independent of the President. However, he did not reveal which party or coalition he might support, nor did he confirm whether he would seek an elective position.

His latest remarks leave questions about KANU’s political direction and the nature of its relationship with Ruto’s administration as parties prepare for the next general election.

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