Gideon Moi details reasons behind Baringo Senate withdrawal
Kanu chairman Gideon Moi has broken his silence on the decision to step out of the Baringo Senate race, explaining how private discussions with President William Ruto led to a political compromise aimed at boosting development in the region.
Speaking to a crowd of thousands at his Kabarak residence in Nakuru county, Gideon said he chose to withdraw after the President personally pledged that pending projects in Baringo, including roads and water dams, would be completed under the national government’s oversight.
“Today’s meeting is for the President,” Gideon told supporters as he welcomed Ruto to his home. “We are here because you all know what happened on Thursday. I was very ready for the race, and you were ready too, but unfortunately, we never made it.”
Gideon had been expected to submit his nomination papers at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission offices in Kabarnet between 11 am and 2 pm, according to the IEBC schedule. However, after hours of waiting by hundreds of supporters, he did not appear, raising questions about his next steps.
“I think it is him (Ruto) who knows why,” he quipped, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
The former senator said he had an open discussion with the President about the projects he started during his previous term but could not complete.
“I explained to him why I wanted to run,” Gideon said. “I told him I wanted to help my people because I wish and mean well for them.”
He added that the President personally assured him that the unfinished projects would be prioritised. “When I told him so, he told me, ‘I will take it upon myself to do it.’ Since he is the head of state and he gave me that promise, I accepted to step down.”
