KANU Supporters Threaten to Boycott Baringo By-Election After Gideon Moi Withdraws After Meeting With Ruto

A section of KANU supporters in Baringo County has said they may not take part in the upcoming by-election after the party’s national chairman, Gideon Moi, withdrew from the race.

Supporters said they felt betrayed by the move. Many had spent money and time preparing to travel to Kabarnet to see Moi present his nomination papers to IEBC.

“With our leader not on the ballot, we see no reason to participate,” said Elijah Kandie, Baringo North KANU chairman.

KANU confirmed that Moi pulled out following talks with President William Ruto. The party also said it will not field any candidate, leaving UDA’s Vincent Kiprono Chemitei to face six other contenders.

The decision angered some KANU supporters, who had gathered at Kabarnet Airstrip to welcome Moi. Reports indicate that even some of his close aides were not aware of the withdrawal.

Chemitei, meanwhile, had to travel quickly by helicopter to submit his nomination papers at IEBC offices, where he later expressed confidence in winning the seat.

“Some challenges have happened, but I remain focused. I urge supporters to stay calm as we work for a better Baringo,” he said.

During the UDA primaries, 31-year-old Chemitei won with 48,791 votes, beating Wycliff Kipsang Tobole and Daniel Kiptoo, who received 30,897 and 23,613 votes respectively.

Gideon Moi’s withdrawal comes just a week after KANU announced him as its candidate for the Baringo senatorial race. 

At the time, the party described him as an experienced and visionary leader committed to Baringo’s development.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen praised Moi’s decision, saying it shows leadership and mentorship for young politicians. “Chemitei is like a son to him. 

Focusing on mentoring the youth is important. While some supporters may be upset, this is a wise move for the party and the nation,” he said.

In the last general elections, KANU lost most seats in Baringo to UDA, including the Baringo North MP and the woman representative seats. The party retained only the Tiaty parliamentary seat.

Other candidates in the by-election include Daisy Jeptoo Kimosop (Independent), Steve David Kipruto (Republican Liberal Party), Vincent Kipkurui Koech (UPA), Samuel Letasio (Kenya Moja Movement), Shadrack Kinet Kaplawat (ARK), Daniel Kipchirchir Kurui (UMP), Benjamin Chebon (The New Democrats), and Samson Cherop (Independent).