Gideon Moi back, to face UDA’s Chemitei in Baringo Senate race
By Faith Lagat, October 2, 2025The Kenya African National Union (KANU) has formally announced that its National Chairman, Gideon Moi, will contest the forthcoming Baringo Senatorial by-election.
The party confirmed Moi’s candidature in a statement issued on Thursday, October 2, 2025, by Director of Communications Manasse Nyainda, following what it described as extensive consultations with members and the people of Baringo.
“The Kenya African National Union (KANU) wishes to formally announce that, following extensive consultations, deliberations, and consensus within the party and with the people of Baringo, our National Chairman, Hon. Gideon Moi, has been nominated as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming Baringo Senatorial by-election,” read the press release in part.
The by-election is scheduled for November 27, with KANU framing Moi’s return as a significant step in offering experienced and people-centred leadership at a critical moment for the county.
“This decision underscores the party’s unwavering commitment to offering experienced, visionary, and people-centred leadership at a critical juncture for Baringo County and the nation at large.”
KANU endorses Moi
In the press release, KANU expressed confidence that Moi’s leadership record and vision would resonate widely with voters. Moi, in accepting the nomination, conveyed gratitude to party members and Baringo residents for what he termed patience and steadfast support. He pledged a campaign anchored on inclusivity, accountability, and service delivery.
“In accepting this call to serve, Hon. Moi has expressed profound gratitude to KANU members, supporters, and the people of Baringo for their patience, confidence, and steadfast support.”
KANU called on supporters across Baringo and the country to rally behind the chairman’s bid, underlining its commitment to unity and stability.
“He remains committed to running a people-driven campaign anchored on inclusivity, accountability, and service to all.”
“Therefore, as a party, we are confident that Hon. Gideon Moi’s candidature will resonate widely with the electorate. We call upon our supporters across Baringo County and the country at large to rally behind our chairman as we embark on this crucial journey,” it said.
UDA candidate
The announcement comes just days after Vincent Kiprono Chemitei of Mochongoi Ward, Baringo South, clinched the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket through an electronic voting process.
Chemitei secured 34,612 votes, defeating Wycliffe Kipsang Tobole, who garnered 24,683, while Daniel Kiptoo came third with 15,343 votes.
The electronic primaries, hailed as transparent and efficient despite minor glitches, drew mixed reactions from residents. Some welcomed the innovation as credible, while others voiced concerns over possible manipulation, urging a return to ballot papers.
Chemitei, after his win, thanked supporters and promised to pursue unity and transformation in the county. Several contenders conceded, though Tobole had not formally done so by press time.
Rising political tensions in Baringo
As the by-election nears, political temperatures in Baringo are rising. A war of words erupted between Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren and Tiaty MP William Kamket following a rally in Marigat Town. Kamuren accused Kamket of making divisive remarks that could destabilise communities, while Kamket dismissed the criticism as political panic, mocking his colleague on social media.
The sharp exchanges have highlighted deepening cracks among Baringo legislators. Four MPs, branding themselves as the “four cousins,” have thrown their weight behind Chemitei, while Kamuren and his allies backed other aspirants in the primaries.
Moi’s entry into the race is now expected to heighten rivalries, setting the stage for a fiercely contested by-election on November 27.