President William Ruto has opened up on why he reached out to former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, describing the move as a gesture of unity and reconciliation aimed at taking Kenya to the next level.

Speaking at Kabarak in Nakuru County during a visit to Gideon Moi, the president said the country’s progress depends on leaders working together beyond their past political differences.

“I was the person who was very close to Daniel Moi during his final years in his career. I am among the last borns of Arap Moi’s political life,” Ruto said, recalling his long association with the late former president.

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He explained that his outreach to Gideon was part of a broader effort to unite Kenya’s political class, saying he had already held talks with other key leaders, including Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, on the same vision of national unity and progress.

“I have had a conversation with many leaders, I have had a conversation even with Raila Odinga and even former president Uhuru Kenyatta and told them that we must lift this country to the next level,” Ruto said.

The president emphasised that his appeal to Gideon was not about political gain but about putting Kenya’s destiny above personal interests. “I have looked for my brother Gideon and told him it is time for us to move Kenya to the next level,” he said.

Working together

Ruto added that moving the country forward requires leaders to set aside differences and pull together in the interest of all Kenyans.

“For us to move this country forward, we need to pull together, we need to work together, and that is why I looked for my brother Gideon and told him we need to pull together, we need to work together,” he said.

In a tone that reflected reconciliation, Ruto took full responsibility for any political misunderstandings that may have existed between them. “Kama kuna makosa imetokea mahali, blame it on me, mimi ndiye mwenye hii maneno yote, mimi ndiye nimetafutana na Gideon nikamwambia Gideon tafadhali, tufanye kazi pamoja,” he said.

The president concluded by reminding leaders that Kenya’s destiny is bigger than individual ambitions. “This is because the destiny of Kenya is far greater than what I can get, what Gideon can get or what the next leader can get,” he said.