Gideon Moi Withdraws from Baringo Senatorial By-Election

Kenya African National Union (KANU) party leader Gideon Moi has officially pulled out of the Baringo Senatorial by-election scheduled for November.

The former senator made the announcement on Thursday, just a week after declaring his intention to contest for the seat he once held.

KANU Secretary General George Wainaina confirmed that the party will not field any candidate in the by-election — a move that appears to give the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) a clear path to victory.

Moi’s withdrawal came shortly after he failed to present his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) within the allocated time. The commission had given him a slot between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., but he did not show up by the deadline.

His supporters, who had gathered at the Baringo Airstrip waiting for his arrival, were left disappointed after he failed to appear. The crowd had expected Moi to officially submit his papers and kick off his campaign.

Reports suggest that Moi’s decision followed a private meeting with President William Ruto at State House, where the upcoming by-election was among the key topics discussed. Sources indicate that the talks also touched on broader national issues.

Moi was accompanied to the meeting by KANU Secretary General George Wainaina and former Baringo Woman Representative Gladwell Cheruiyot.