Ruto-Moi political deals: Why Gideon feels betrayed

President William Ruto is received at Kabarak Farm by Kanu National Chairman Gideon Moi on October 10, 2025. [File, Standard]

A year after President William Ruto and Kanu Party Leader Gideon Moi signalled a political understanding anchored on unity and cooperation, the deal is facing fresh scrutiny, with Gideon now publicly saying promises made to him and the people of Baringo remain unfulfilled.

The October 2025 handshake between President Ruto and Gideon had left many Kenyans speculating about its significance and implications in the 2027 General Election.

 But as the political clock ticks towards next year's General Election, Gideon’s remarks raise questions about what the community has gained from the accord and whether the much-touted unity has translated into tangible benefits.

 

In a candid address that lifted the lid on the frustrations behind his political silence, Gideon, while addressing representatives of Kalenjin community sub-tribes and opinion leaders at his Kabarak home in Nakuru County, said he had made difficult political choices out of respect for Ruto’s leadership and in the hope that the President would honour commitments made to the community.

The delegation comprised representatives from Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia and Baringo counties.

“I was told to wait, I waited, and I am still waiting to date. A promise remained a promise until I told myself that a time would come when I would have to make a decision,” Gideon said.

 His statement marks a significant departure from the silence he has maintained amid growing criticism over his political position and relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Gideon said he had initially stepped away from active politics after the 2022 elections before he was approached to discuss the unity of the Kalenjin community. He returned during the by-elections following William Cheptumo's death.

He said he was reluctant to enter political negotiations because he did not want to be seen as a stumbling block to unity. But after consultations, he agreed to engage, insisting his participation was driven by the people's interests rather than personal gain.

The KANU leader said one of the key issues he raised during the negotiations was the employment of professionals from Baringo, arguing that the community had expectations that needed to be addressed.

“I did everything they wanted me to do for two reasons. One, I accepted President Ruto as a leader and believed in the promises he made to the people. That was the primary reason. The second was to give him respect,” he said.

KANU Party Leader Gideon Moi addresses Kalenjin elders and delegates at his Kabarak home on October 23, 2026. [Daniel Chege, Standard]

He rejected claims that his position was motivated by business interests, insisting that he had not sought personal favours.

“The intentions were not personal. I did not ask for anything for myself, not even business. I did it without reservations in spite of reservations from my own people,” he said.

Yet, in his account, that show of loyalty has not produced the results he expected.

The emerging question is whether the political understanding was a genuine partnership with clear commitments or an arrangement in which Gideon was expected to offer political support while waiting indefinitely for delivery.

Gideon also complained about attacks directed at him, saying the criticism had diverted public attention from what he described as the real issue: The need to honour commitments made during the political engagements.

“People started attacking me, saying I am Standard media. I am not a journalist.  Standard is like any other business and has many shareholders,” he said.

He said he had no ill will against Ruto and wished him well, even as he called for the outstanding commitments to be addressed.

“I do not have anything evil against President William Ruto. May God protect him in his undertaking,” he said.

He asked his supporters to give him room to make decisions, saying he wanted to focus on his community, family and political responsibilities without being trapped by expectations surrounding the negotiations.

“I called you today because I need three things. One is prayer, second, give me room to make decisions. Let me take care of my people, the community and the family name,” he said.

KANU Party Leader Gideon Moi addresses Kalenjin elders and delegates at his Kabarak home on October 23, 2026. [Daniel Chege, Standard]

The message was particularly directed at the people of Baringo, whom he asked to forgive him for the political decisions he had made in their name. “To the people of Baringo, I ask for forgiveness. I did what I did because of you, and I agreed,” he said.

At the same time, he urged the Kalenjin community to resist division and build relationships based on mutual support rather than political transactions.

“Our grandfathers took care of us. Let us not be subdivided. Let us maintain the values,” he said.

The gathering also heard calls for Gideon to take his message beyond Kabarak and engage directly with communities in other parts of the region.

President Ruto had expressed his intention to collaborate with the independent party, Kanu, during his visit to Kabarak Farm. He announced that Kanu and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would forge a partnership to work together.

Speaking to a gathering of 5,000 Kanu supporters at Kabarak, Ruto then stated that the former ruling party would join the broader government. The meeting happened after Gideon withdrew from the senatorial by-election race. The withdrawal was in favour of UDA candidate Vincent Chemitei, now senator.

Gideon then said he was ready and was focused on making it to the finals in the by-election. He noted that he wanted to be on the ballot to help the people of Baringo, adding that the majority of the projects he had initiated had stalled.

In defending Gideon’s decision to withdraw from the Baringo senatorial race, Ruto revealed he had asked Gideon to step aside and focus on other matters that would promote national development.