Confusion rocked Kabarnet on Thursday after KANU Chairman and former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi failed to show up at the IEBC County Offices to submit his nomination papers for the upcoming Baringo senatorial by-election.
Moi, who was scheduled to appear between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., was a no-show — leaving supporters stunned and sparking speculation that he may have bowed out of the race in favour of the UDA candidate.
Tension flared as KANU loyalists staged a dramatic walkout from Kabarnet Stadium.
Thousands of residents who had gathered at the Baringo Airstrip and outside KANU headquarters chanted, “No Gidii, no election!”, expressing anger and disbelief over his unexplained absence.
“We waited for hours, but he never showed up. People are disappointed because we believed he would reclaim the seat for KANU,” said John Kiprop, a KANU supporter from Tenges.
The by-election was triggered by the death of Senator William Cheptumo, who passed away in August after a short illness.
Cheptumo, a seasoned politician and close ally of President William Ruto, had served Baringo with distinction and was instrumental in shaping local development policies.
His passing left a political vacuum in the county, setting the stage for an intense showdown between KANU and UDA loyalists.
Moi’s absence comes just days after his surprise visit to State House, where he reportedly held a closed-door meeting with President Ruto.
Sources familiar with the talks say discussions centred on the by-election, Moi’s family business interests, and Ruto’s request for Moi to step aside for UDA’s Vincent Chemitei — a request Moi is said to have declined.
“We have not received any formal communication from Mr. Moi or his party regarding withdrawal,” said an IEBC official in Kabarnet, who requested anonymity. “As of now, his slot remains open until the official deadline lapses.”
As the nomination window closes, Baringo’s political landscape is in turmoil — with one burning question echoing across the county: Has Gideon Moi thrown in the towel, or is this a calculated political move