NAIROBI, Kenya – Confusion has engulfed the Kenya African National Union (KANU) after party chairman Gideon Moi abruptly failed to present his nomination papers for the Baringo senatorial by-election — a move that has sparked protests, speculation, and rare public dissent from within the party’s inner circle.
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, a close ally of Moi, took to X on Thursday with a heartfelt plea to her party leader, urging him to break his silence and address supporters disillusioned by his unexplained withdrawal.
“My dear Chairman Hon. Gideon Moi, we have had many conversations in private and I have never addressed you in public, but the matter being discussed is of national importance,” Lesuuda wrote. “My only concern and of many who have believed in you and the party is your choice not to give direction and not to communicate on time your decisions. We feel not listened to, not heard or felt. Chairman, address your supporters of your decision, lead with empathy, carry us along.”
My dear Chairman Hon. Gideon Moi, We have had many conversations in private and I have never addressed you in public but the matter being discussed is of national importance. The choice to run or not to run for Baringo Senatorial seat is purely your personal, decision since
Her remarks came amid growing unrest in Baringo, where hundreds of supporters who had gathered to receive Moi at the local airstrip were left stranded after he failed to appear for his nomination.
The KANU leader, who had been expected to make a political comeback after losing his Senate seat in 2022, kept both his team and supporters waiting for hours before it emerged he would not show up.
The no-show quickly ignited protests, with youth chanting anti-government slogans and insisting there would be no election without Moi.
The unrest underscored the emotional investment of his supporters — and the shock that followed what appeared to be an eleventh-hour change of plans.
Sources say Moi’s withdrawal came a day after a private meeting with President William Ruto at State House, where the two leaders reportedly reached an understanding that Moi would step aside.
The talks, attended by several political allies including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, are said to have touched on broader political cooperation and the need to “give younger leaders space” in the Baringo race.
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has since cleared 31-year-old Kiprono Cherubet as its candidate for the November 27 by-election, which follows the death of Senator William Cheptumo.
KANU insiders have hinted that Moi could be offered a Cabinet role in the coming reshuffle — possibly in the infrastructure docket — a move that would shift him from elective politics to a national leadership position.
But the lack of communication from the KANU chairman has unsettled the party’s grassroots base. KANU spokesperson Cornelius Rono added to the speculation with a cryptic two-word post on X: “Game over.”
The unfolding events have thrown KANU into disarray, with supporters and allies questioning the future of a party once synonymous with political dominance in the Rift Valley.
For many, Lesuuda’s public message captures a deeper sense of betrayal among loyalists who feel left behind in the party’s quiet backroom dealings.
