Gideon Moi, leader of Kenya African National Union (KANU), has decided to pull out of the Baringo Senatorial by-election scheduled for November, ending speculation about his candidacy just days after he announced his intention to run.
The former senator confirmed his withdrawal on Thursday, leaving United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Vincent Chemitei as the main contender.
Speaking to Radio Generation, KANU Secretary General George Wainaina confirmed that the party will not present a candidate in the race, effectively giving UDA a clear path.
“Yes, he (Gideon Moi) did not present his papers. The decision was made after some consultation. It was the decision of the party,” he said.
The decision followed protests from Gideon’s supporters at the Baringo Airstrip, where they had gathered expecting him to submit his nomination papers to the Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (IEBC) on October 9.
Gideon was expected to file his papers between 11 am and pm but did not arrive by the closing time, leaving supporters frustrated.
Reports indicate that the withdrawal came after a private meeting with President William Ruto at State House.
Discussions reportedly focused on the Baringo by-election and broader national issues. Gideon attended the meeting alongside KANU Secretary General Wainaina and former Baringo Woman Representative Gladwell Cheruiyot.
Gideon’s initial decision to contest had stirred concern within UDA, as a loss in Baringo could have affected the party’s influence in the Rift Valley.
He had previously stated he would not support the government and was using media linked to him to voice criticism of the administration.
Gideon lost the Baringo seat in the 2022 General Election to the late William Cheptumo, while UDA dominated other elective positions in the KANU stronghold. With his withdrawal, UDA’s Vincent Chemitei is now set to contest the November 27 by-election without competition from KANU.