Jeremiah Kiplang’at

It is two years today since former President daniel arap Moi died at the prime age of 95 leaving behind enormous shoes to be filled.

Just before he was laid to rest at his expansive farm in Kabarak, Nakuru county on February 12, 2020, the elders from his extended family handed over the symbols of powers, including the revered rungu, to his youngest son, Gideon.

He was to take over his father’s political role and leadership as his elder brother Raymond Moi was tasked with leading the extended family.

Although it had for long been expected that Gideon, now 59, would take over from Moi owing to the fact that he was the old man’s favourite, the family’s public affirmation injected fresh impetus to his quest to assume the power, aura and charisma the former President cultivated since the country’s independence in 1963 and nurtured during his 24 years in power.

The eldest son Jonathan had passed on slightly under a year before Moi’s death leaving the second born, Raymond, the two-term Rongai MP, as the automatic heir to the throne but he was persuaded to cede the opportunity to his younger brother, Gideon.

“In terms of seniority I’m the leader of this family but politically, it will be Gideon,” Raymond said when he handed Gideon the father’s famed rungu, that was, for years, was the symbol of his leadership.

“Mzee took good care of all of us, he took care of Kenya, we are telling Gideon to make sure he revives Kanu. On politics, I have handed Gideon the rungu but if he sleeps on the job, I will grab it from him so he must work hard,” he added.

Uhuru succession

Understanding the weight and expectations that came with the coronation, Gideon accepted the new role promising to work hard to fulfil the expectations.

“I will hold it and I will do my best, I will try everything possible with God’s guidance to hold it,” he said.

The elders were only following the ex-President’s script who had openly shown partisan interest in Gideon from as early as 2002 after being in power for 24 years.

That year, Moi picked Gideon to succeed him as Baringo Central MP and he ensured he occupied the seat unopposed following reported pressure on opponents in the constituency to step down for him.

It was the beginning of Gideon’s political life that two decades later is attracting endorsement and criticism in equal measure.

He would go on to lose his parliamentary seat in 2007, only to bounce back as the Baringo senator in 2013 and retained it in 2017.

Currently, Gideon is trying to play a more conspicuous role in the Uhuru Kenyatta succession through the One Kenya Alliance bringing together Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua (Narc-Kenya) and Cyrus Jirongo (UDP). 

The alliance signed a Deed of Assignment on February 2 and is said to be locked in negotiations with the Azimio La Umoja of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

As the Moi clan convenes today to mark the second anniversary since his demise, opinion is sharply divided on whether Gideon has managed to fit in the gigantic shoes his father left behind with some saying he does not have the grit and hunger to lead the family and the party. Others, however, say he is a chip off the old block.

Close family friends disclosed that today’s function to be held at the Kabarak farm is a private family affair with only close friends and relatives invited.

They include renowned diplomat Lazarus Sumbeiwo, former cabinet minister Sally Kosgey, former Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson Zipporah Kittony and former first lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta.

The agenda, according to the sources, is twofold, one, to whip the family’s “prodigal son” Collins, a son of Jonathan, for allegedly embarrassing the family by publicly contesting the manner in which his grandfather’s vast estate has been shared.

Also on the agenda is the manner in which Gideon presided over the administration of the Moi estate.

Speaking through a close aide yesterday, Gideon defended his performance since stepping into the shoes of his late father.

“Boss is a lion. Those of us close to him know he has fit or is fitting in Mzee’s shoes. The public has not gotten an opportunity to interact with that side of him but I can tell you those of us who know him can attest to his great leadership qualities just like the ones his father had.”

His words were echoed by Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat who said the Baringo senator had done a commendable job.

“Mzee was Mzee. Gideon is Gideon. You cannot compare the two. They are from different generations. Of course, people are comparing him with the father but each has unique characters,” said Salat.

He said the senator deserved commendation for ensuring the party was active and visible nationally.

“We are happy with his leadership. Of course, there is a lot of work that should be done but Kanu remains a strong party unlike the seasonal parties formed and dropped every political season,” Salat said.

But a former Cabinet minister in the Moi government expressed his displeasure at the way Gideon has handled Kanu’s affairs saying he had failed to live up to billing.

He said he is too laid back to run a vibrant party.

Kanu takeover

“Moi has not lived up to the billing. He is just hanging around the party. Kanu is not as vibrant as it was in its heyday. It is understandable for a party that has lost power to struggle. But Gideon has been a disappointment, you cannot compare him with his contemporaries like Ruto or Musalia who are running vibrant outfits,” he said, requesting anonymity so as not to damage his friendship with the Kanu leader.

He said if Kanu was to retrace its way to past glory, someone else must take over.

“Gideon is not cut out for the job of reviving Kanu. Someone else could do it but not Gideon,” he added.

Those who are vouching for him, however, say Gideon, who was picked as Kanu chairman after Uhuru Kenyatta abandoned party in 2012 to form The National Alliance, say he should not be compared to his father.

In its heyday, Moi passed Kanu as a political behemoth that would rule the country for more than 100 years although it has struggled to keep up with the fast-evolving political scene. 

There have been signs of growth although it is still struggling to stamp its authority. The challenge has been placed on Gideon’s shoulders to make it a formidable force in the nation’s politics once again.

The two-term senator, who has declared he will run for president in this year’s election,  has not been known to be keen to bay for trouble, making many to keep wondering if he would ever live up to expectations bequeathed to him by the wealthy family.

He has often had to deal with political jibes from those who see him as unavailable and accuse him of confining himself to their homes in Nairobi and Kabarak.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has, for instance, often chided Gideon during visits to Baringo claiming to be the senator of both Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo.

In characteristic style, Gideon has never seen any need to respond to him even if it has been more of political banter rather than any serious attempt to belittle him.

Former Internal Security Permanent Secretary in the Moi administration Zakayo Cheruiyot said it would be unfair to attempt to match Gideon with his father saying the former President is incomparable.

“Moi was a giant. He was greater than a colossus. He began his journey to greatness in the 1950s. It is unfair to judge Gideon harshly because he just took over two years ago. We can only give him the best wishes and prayers,” Cheruiyot told People Daily.

Gideon has often faced accusations of being too laidback and disinterested in the ever-vicious politics that demands aggressiveness and boldness.

Lately, however, he has attempted to display the tough side taking on nemesis Ruto.

But many still find him aloof and not cut for the high-octane politics.

“When you remove the name Moi from Gideon, he becomes ordinary. Moi was a giver, Gideon is very mean. Moi was a committed Christian, Gideon is struggling. Moi was a schemer, Gideon is tactless and lacks direction. He has killed Kanu and is now taking it to ODM to bury it completely,” said Philip Chebunet, university lecturer and political commentator.