President William Ruto has confirmed that Kanu, led by Gideon Moi, will join his broad-based government, marking the party’s return to national politics after years in the opposition.
Speaking during a visit to Moi’s Kabarak residence on Friday, Ruto explained that the decision came as part of his efforts to promote national unity and accelerate development across the country. He also confirmed that the Kanu chairman withdrew from the Baringo Senate race yesterday at his request.
“I have looked for Gideon to help me to help me pull this country out of the third world, so that we can have a progressive country,” Ruto told supporters gathered at the home.
The President lightened the mood by joking about his familiarity with the Kabarak estate, noting that his frequent visits during former President Daniel Moi’s era made him feel part of the Moi family.
Ruto defended Moi’s decision to step down from the senatorial race, emphasizing that it would allow for broader inclusion of Kanu in the government.
“After the Kabarnet anger, I told him the best place to make our announcement to the public was here at Kabarak,” he said.
Gideon Moi also addressed the gathering, balancing humor with seriousness. He joked that President Ruto had “washed him clean,” but stressed the importance of unity in Baringo for meaningful development.
President Ruto said his outreach to Moi was a deliberate step toward consolidating national unity and advancing Kenya’s development agenda, focusing on sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“I reached out to my brother so that we can help move the country forward. If there is any problem anywhere, do not blame Moi, you can blame me,” he added.
Ruto further explained that discussions with Moi also included the timing and venue for making the unity announcement public.
“After our discussions, Gideon asked me who should make the announcement and where. I told him I have been to this place before, and that is where we will make it public,” said Ruto.
On his part, Moi explained his withdrawal from the Senate race as a deliberate choice to support national unity.
“The president knows why I never made it to the ballot. I had some unfinished business in Baringo, from roads to dams, that’s why I decided to vie. Because President Ruto was elected by Kenyans, I decided to listen to him,” he said.
During the visit, President Ruto also unveiled several development initiatives for Baringo County, including construction and maintenance of major roads, a new stadium in Kabarnet set to launch in two months, and plans for a new university in the county, honoring the legacy of the late Daniel arap Moi and his role in founding Moi University in Eldoret.