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President William Ruto and KANU Chairman Gideon Moi have formally announced a new working arrangement at the Moi family's Kabarak home, a move set to significantly influence political dynamics in the Rift Valley and national policy execution. The alliance follows Moi's withdrawal from the Baringo senatorial by-election.
In a significant political development, President William Ruto and Kenya African National Union (KANU) Chairman Gideon Moi publicly affirmed a new working relationship on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Moi family's Kabarak home in Nakuru County. This alliance, marked by a symbolic handshake, is poised to reshape the political landscape, particularly in the Rift Valley, and influence national policy direction.
The announcement follows a series of high-level engagements, including a meeting between President Ruto and Mr. Moi at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. A key outcome of these discussions was Mr. Moi's decision to withdraw from the upcoming Baringo senatorial by-election, a move that cleared the path for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Kiprono Chemitei.
The Kabarak meeting signifies a notable shift in the long-standing political rivalry between President Ruto and the Moi family. Their political differences trace back to 1997 when President Ruto reportedly defied the late President Daniel arap Moi's wishes. The relationship further strained in 2019 when, as Deputy President, Ruto was reportedly denied access to the elder Moi. This latest rapprochement, therefore, marks a significant reconciliation and a strategic political realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
President Ruto emphasised that his outreach to Gideon Moi is part of a broader strategy to unite the country, stating, "I looked for Gideon Moi because national cohesion is bigger than our differences." He also revealed holding similar discussions with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, indicating a convergence of Kenya's prominent political families within his "broad-based government."
The formation of such broad-based political alliances can significantly impact policy execution. Historically, Kenya has faced challenges in policy implementation, often due to rushed solutions, insufficient funding, political interference, and a disconnect between policy formulation and practical arrangements. Stakeholders are now calling for clarity on the timelines, costs, and safeguards associated with new policy initiatives that may arise from these political realignments.
The Kenyan Constitution, particularly Article 91, outlines fundamental requirements for political parties, advocating for issue-based politics rather than those driven by ethnicity or region. While presidential debates have aimed to promote issue-based discussions, political campaigns in Kenya have often been influenced by ethnicity, clannism, and individual politician's idiosyncratic variables.
The meeting at Kabarak drew over 3,000 KANU members and supporters, with President Ruto addressing grassroots leaders. KANU Secretary General George Wainaina recounted the emotional moments preceding Mr. Moi's withdrawal from the Baringo Senate race, affirming the party's pledge to support President Ruto. Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda urged Mr. Moi to directly address supporters to explain the rationale and next steps, highlighting the anxiety within the party base.
This political realignment carries several implications. For President Ruto, it could consolidate his influence in the Rift Valley, a region crucial to his political base. For KANU, joining the government could offer a path to renewed relevance and potentially safeguard the Moi family's business interests, which are extensive in sectors like energy, logistics, education, and agriculture.
However, the move has also generated disappointment among some KANU loyalists and party officials, who feel let down by the lack of timely communication regarding Mr. Moi's decision. Political analysts suggest that while such alliances can stabilise the ruling party, they also raise questions about the nature of Kenyan politics, often characterised by realignments for survival rather than ideological reform.
The specific modalities of KANU's integration into the broad-based government remain unclear, with party officials indicating that detailed arrangements will be communicated through party organs. The extent of Mr. Moi's role in the government, if any, is also yet to be formally announced. Furthermore, the long-term impact of this convergence of political dynasties on Kenya's democratic development and the promotion of issue-based politics will be closely watched.
Observers will be keen to see the formalisation of KANU's role within the government and how this new alliance influences policy decisions, particularly those affecting the Rift Valley. The communication strategy from KANU to its grassroots supporters will also be critical in managing expectations and maintaining party cohesion. Additionally, the broader implications for the 2027 General Election, especially concerning political realignments and the emphasis on issue-based campaigns, will be a key area of focus.
