The Kenya African National Union (KANU) Youth Congress has publicly distanced itself from the newly formed partnership between KANU leader Gideon Moi and President William Ruto.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 14, the youth wing expressed strong opposition to what they termed the ‘alleged KANU-UDA pact,’ declaring their values incompatible with the current administration’s approach to governance.
“We, the KANU Youth Congress, fully dissociate from the newfound partnership between our National Chairman, Hon. Gideon Kipsielei Towett Moi, and H.E. President William Ruto,” the statement read.
The youth congress emphasized that its core principles are rooted in accountability, transparency, respect for human rights, and upholding the rule of law, which it believes should guide its involvement in leadership and national governance.
“Our stand therefore, remains that the government should work to serve the interests of the people and no partnership or coalition agreement whatsoever can save a regime that goes against the constitutional lines of governance and protection of the rule of law,” the youth leaders stated.
The statement took aim at what the youth congress described as the government’s failure to address critical issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
They accused the administration of human rights violations, enforced disappearances, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law.
“It is worth noting that our values and ideologies do not intertwine with the consistent abductions and subsequent killings, enforced disappearances, human rights violations, corruption, and total disregard of the rule of law but emphasize on the promotion of the rule of law, democracy and independence of institutions,” the statement noted.
The youth wing called on the government to address urgent matters in health, education, and economic opportunities for young people. They criticized the concept of a ‘broad-based government’ as unrealistic, advocating instead for systemic reforms.
“The government should however be swift in handling the delicate crisis in the health sector, upgrading the education system, making it affordable and available to all, upholding of the rule of law and end the archaic trend of abductions and enforced disappearances of government critics.”
The youth congress’s statement comes just days after President Ruto visited Gideon Moi at Kabarak, Nakuru County, on October 10, in what was seen as a significant political reconciliation between the two Rift Valley leaders.
During the meeting attended by senior government officials, KANU representatives, and local leaders, Moi announced his decision to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“We’ve elected to pursue the path of unity and shared purpose at this crucial point in our nation. As such, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Baringo for their support and for granting us a chance to move beyond our differences and mold a cohesive and prosperous nation,” Moi said.
President Ruto welcomed the collaboration, framing it as essential for national development.
“The necessity of national unity demands that all of us rise above that which divides us so that we work together on the urgent transformation agenda in our country,” he stated.
Shortly after arriving at the State House, Nairobi, Moi withdrew from the Baringo Senatorial by-election race, surprising many political observers.
The alliance between Ruto and Moi represents a dramatic turnaround in their political relationship.
The two leaders, both from the Rift Valley, have been rivals for over a decade. Their differences became most pronounced during the 2022 General Election, when Moi backed Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja coalition while Ruto led Kenya Kwanza to victory.
