President William Ruto’s move to convince KANU Chairman Gideon Moi to abandon his senatorial bid and join his broad-based government is being viewed as a calculated political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political Risk Analyst Dismus Mokua described Ruto as “a master in coming up with strategic narratives,” but noted that the President is likely to shift from the “dynasty versus hustler” message, saying it may not work again.
“President Ruto, in my view, is a master in coming up with strategic narratives. The last election was all about hustlers, and President Ruto made everybody believe that the economic situation we’re experiencing was because of the so-called dynasties — and he was able to rally the entire nation,” Mokua told Radio Generation on Tuesday.
“But I think, as State House looks at the 2027 variables, that message is not going to sell again. He has to come up with a new one.”
Mokua stated that had Moi rejected Ruto’s request, his senatorial bid would have caused a political storm in the Rift Valley.
“Can you imagine if Gideon Moi had run for Baringo Senate and won? It would cause a storm and a stampede in Rift Valley. If a so-called dynasty member beat your preferred candidate in Ruto’s stronghold, it would shake the region,” he said.
He added that the KANU chief must have also considered the reality of life outside active politics before accepting Ruto’s offer.
“For Gideon, his father was president for 24 years, true. So he knows that being without power and authority is like a fish out of water. President Kenyatta was president for 10 years, right? And his mother was a First Lady. So he also understands the meaning of power. Without it, you’re like a fish out of water,” Mokua observed.
President William Ruto last week confirmed that KANU, led by Moi, will join his broad-based government, marking the party’s return to national politics after years in opposition.
Speaking during a visit to Moi’s Kabarak residence on Friday, October 10, 2025, Ruto said the decision was part of his efforts to promote national unity and accelerate development across the country. He also confirmed that the KANU chairman had withdrawn from the Baringo Senate race at his request.
“I have looked for Gideon to help me pull this country out of the Third World so that we can have a progressive nation,” 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 like part of the Moi family.
Ruto defended Moi’s decision to step down from the senatorial race, emphasizing that it would allow for greater inclusion of KANU in his government.
“After the Kabarnet anger, I told him the best place to make our announcement to the public was here at Kabarak,” he said.