There has been speculation that Kanu chairman Gideon Moi will not run for the Baringo senatorial seat in the August 9 general election, instead focusing his efforts on national politics.
The senator is alleged to have negotiated a national post as a condition for joining Azimio if the alliance wins’ power in the polls.
If the Independence Party fields a candidate in the race, it will be a major battle between it and Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, which has attracted more than five candidates.
Those who have declared interest in the seat include Tenges ward rep Silas Tochim, Baringo North MP William Cheptumo, National Health Insurance Fund senior official Isaiah Kirukmet and Felix Chelaite.
They all plan to vie on a UDA ticket. Cheptumo and Tochim are said to be the front runners in the race.
Already, Baringo elders and the clergy have endorsed Tochim’s bid to replace Moi.
Moi and Ruto have been embroiled in a protracted battle of supremacy for the control of the Rift Valley vote and Baringo County is turning out to be one of the battlegrounds.