In a dramatic turn of events, Kanu chairman Gideon Moi on Thursday dropped out of the Baringo Senate race in favour of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Vincent Chemitei, who is backed by President William Ruto.
The move follows Mr Moi's surprise meeting with President Ruto at State House the day before. At the time, sources pointed to behind-the-scenes negotiations to have the Kanu Chairman shelve his Baringo senatorial bid in the upcoming November 27 by-election.
Kanu chairman Gideon Moi when he met with President William Ruto at State House on September 8, 2025.
Photo credit: Courtesy | PCS
Now, it appears that President Ruto got his way.
UDA Baringo Senatorial hopeful Vincent Cheburet Chemitei and President William Ruto.
Photo credit: Courtesy | UDA
For hours today (Thursday), before the announcement that Mr Moi had pulled out, all roads in Baringo led to Kabarnet. Red-shirted Kanu supporters danced, sang and waved flags outside the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices, waiting for Mr Moi to show up and submit his nomination papers for the Baringo senatorial by-election.
However, joy turned to restlessness and, finally, dismay when it emerged that he would not be showing up after all.
Finally, instead of Mr Moi, UDA's Mr Chemitei dropped in via helicopter to submit his nomination papers to IEBC at Rehabilitation Center before the 5pm deadline.
UDA party Baringo Senate nominee Vincent Kiprono Chemitei displays his nomination certificate after being declared the winner on September 21, 2025.
Photo credit: Florah Koech | Nation
Shortly after, chaos rocked Kabarnet town as Kanu supporters staged demos after Mr Moi bowed out of the race.
Moi 'could not be reached'
Some Kanu officials, who had on Wednesday claimed that Mr Moi declined the Head of State’s request to step down in favour of Mr Chemitei, expressed frustration at the decision.
They claimed that Mr Moi switched off his phone after telling them to mobilise his supporters for the IEBC clearance.
He was, however, no show, with efforts to reach him by some of the officials hitting a dead end.
“He ought to have prepared his supporters so that they feel respected. We should have been more tactical. The way he has chickened out is not in good taste. It’s creating tension in the party.”
A Kanu insider said party members are divided over the withdrawal, with some fearing it signals a quiet alignment with President Ruto’s administration.
“This really looks bad. We’re fearing what next,” the source said.
