Backlash as KANU supporters defy Gideon-Ruto pact

Mounting grassroots rage could spiral to a full-blown political storm within the independence party KANU after its chairman Gideon Moi’s abrupt withdrawal from the Baringo senatorial by-election and reports of a behind-the-scenes political pact with President William Ruto.

Some youth leaders from Baringo have even threatened to decamp to other opposition formations, accusing Moi of personalising party decisions.

However, following President Ruto’s appeal to have the working arrangement between KANU and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under Kenya Kwanza Coalition formalised during his address to KANU grassroots leaders in Kabarak last week where he was hosted by Gideon, a cabinet reshuffle is expected to have Gideon’s lieutenants appointed to the cabinet.

Political pundits say death of Raila Odinga who formed the broad-based political pact with Ruto in March this year will tilt the political landscape going forward including possible dropping of some of the ODM allied Cabinet Secretaries from the cabinet.

The move has triggered anger among long-time supporters, who accuse Moi of betraying the party’s ideals and bowing to pressure from the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.

Led by their national chair, Shanice Matara, KANU National Youth Congress have since distanced itself from the union between the party chairman, Gideon Moi, and President William Ruto, leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

They said that they were not consulted before or after the two leaders met last week, which led to Moi dropping out of the Baringo senatorial race in the forthcoming by-elections.

“Our values as the youth and the party at large are founded on promotion of accountability and transparency, respect for human rights, and the promotion of the rule of law. No partnership or coalition agreement whatsoever can save a regime that goes against constitutional governance,” the statement read in part.

KANU supporters across Baringo and parts of the Rift Valley have expressed disappointment, saying the former senator’s decision to step down undermines the party’s revival efforts. Local officials say Moi’s withdrawal was done without consultation, leaving candidates and campaign teams stranded midway through preparations.

“We feel abandoned. KANU was finally showing signs of resurgence, but the chairman’s retreat is a betrayal of loyal supporters who stood by him through thick and thin,” said a local party official in Kabarnet.

Sources close to both camps reveal that Moi’s withdrawal followed high-level talks between him and President Ruto, reportedly aimed at fostering “regional unity” and “ending political hostilities” in the Rift Valley.

The two, once fierce political rivals, are said to have agreed on a political truce that could see KANU cooperate with the ruling coalition on select national and county matters.

However, insiders say the deal sparked internal backlash, as many within KANU view Ruto’s overtures as a strategy to weaken the once-dominant party ahead of the 2027 elections.

KANU Secretary General George Wainaina sought to calm tensions, saying the party remains intact and committed to its ideals despite the latest developments. But grassroots mobilizers insist the leadership must convene an urgent delegates’ meeting to clarify the party’s political direction.

Analysts believe Gideon Moi’s decision is part of a wider realignment in the Rift Valley, as President Ruto consolidates his grip ahead of the 2027 polls.

Moi’s softening stance toward Ruto may be driven by political survival and a desire to remain relevant in a region where the president enjoys overwhelming support.

The developments now throw KANU’s future into question. Once a dominant political machine that ruled Kenya for nearly four decades, the party has struggled to reinvent itself in the multiparty era. With its chairman under fire and its grassroots demoralized, KANU faces an uphill task regaining political ground.