President William Ruto and KANU leader Gideon Moi held a private meeting at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in what sources describe as an attempt by the President to persuade Moi to withdraw from the Baringo senatorial by-election following the death of Senator William Cheptumo.
The unexpected meeting has sparked speculation about possible political reconciliation between the two former rivals who have long dominated Rift Valley politics.
Discussions are said to have focused largely on the upcoming by-election scheduled for November 27.
According to sources within KANU, President Ruto urged Moi to step down from the race to give way to UDA candidate Vincent Chemitei.
“The President made the request respectfully, but the Chairman declined politely,” a senior KANU official revealed.
However, State House officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that Moi had agreed in principle to withdraw but asked for time to consult KANU leaders before making a formal announcement.
“He has agreed to step down from the Baringo race,” said a State House source.
Moi was accompanied to the meeting by KANU Secretary-General George Wainaina and former Baringo Woman Representative Gladwell Cheruiyot.
It is understood that the talks also touched on economic matters, including the challenges facing the Moi family’s businesses under the Ruto administration, suggesting the meeting was not purely political but also aimed at exploring long-term reconciliation.
Political analysts believe President Ruto is keen to avoid an embarrassing defeat in what has traditionally been seen as his political stronghold.
“Losing Baringo would embolden Moi and other opposition figures to question Ruto’s grip on his home turf,” said political analyst Dismas Mokua.
In the 2022 general election, William Cheptumo (UDA) won with 141,177 votes, while Gideon Moi (KANU) garnered 71,480 votes and independent candidate Felix Chelaite secured 3,261.
KANU insiders say Moi views the by-election as a timely opportunity to revive the party’s grassroots presence and restore the Moi family’s political influence in the Rift Valley.
“The Chairman feels it is time to rebuild KANU from the ground up,” said a senior party official.
