Speculation is mounting in Kenya’s political circles following the circulation of photos and videos showing former Baringo Senator and Kanu national chairman Gideon Moi meeting President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.
The meeting, reportedly held on Wednesday and made public a day later, has fuelled debate over whether political matters were discussed, particularly as Moi weighs a return to active politics through the November 27 Baringo senatorial by-election.
Observers have interpreted Moi’s appearance at State House as a possible signal of reconciliation or strategic repositioning. His reentry into politics could reshape not only the Baringo contest but also the trajectory of Kanu, which has struggled to remain politically relevant since the 2022 General Election.
Images shared by the Presidential Communication Service showed Moi and a Kanu delegation in a cordial exchange with the president, a notable shift given Moi’s previous criticism of Ruto. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, a close ally of the President, added fuel to the fire after sharing the video online with the caption “Politics 101.”
Within Kanu, internal voices have grown louder, urging Moi to steer the party toward cooperation with the government. John Karanja, Kanu’s Kiambu County secretary, recently called on the chairman to convene a delegates’ conference to formally exit the Azimio coalition and back Ruto’s administration.
Moi, who served as Baringo Senator from 2013 to 2022, lost his seat to the late William Cheptumo of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Since his defeat, Moi has kept a low profile, rarely appearing in the national political scene. Cheptumo’s death earlier this year reopened the political space in Baringo, setting the stage for a fiercely contested by-election.
UDA has already nominated Kiprono Cheburet as its candidate after he secured the party ticket with 48,791 votes. A victory for Moi would mark a dramatic political comeback and potentially rejuvenate Kanu’s fading influence. For Ruto’s UDA, retaining the seat would reaffirm its dominance in the Rift Valley.
Whether the State House visit was a courtesy call or a strategic consultation remains unclear — but one thing is certain: Gideon Moi is back in the political conversation.
