A recent meeting between former President Daniel Moi and President Uhuru Kenyatta has highlighted conflicting interests between Deputy President William Ruto and Gideon Moi, the former President's son.
Gideon Moi and DP Ruto have been at odds as they both seek to establish themselves as influential figures in the Rift Valley. Their differences became public during the funeral of former nominated MP Mark Too.
Conflicting Interests ¶
Gideon Moi has accused DP Ruto of pushing the region to support Jubilee without delivering development. In contrast, DP Ruto views Gideon Moi as a newcomer to politics who has not contributed significantly to the region.
The Baringo Senator has stated that while he supports President Kenyatta's reelection bid, he does not recognize DP Ruto as the Jubilee point man in the region. Instead, he has suggested that President Kenyatta should engage directly with the people of Rift Valley.
DP Ruto has not done anything since joining the government. All he has done is enrich himself and his cronies, and that is why you (President Uhuru) should deal with the people of Rift Valley directly instead of using middlemen.
Gideon Moi made this statement during the funeral of Mark Too.
In response, DP Ruto has downplayed the importance of Kanu's support for Jubilee's electoral success, citing their victory in the 2013 elections without Kanu's backing.
Feud Intensifies ¶
The feud between DP Ruto and Gideon Moi has intensified, with DP Ruto endorsing Simon Chelugui to run against Gideon Moi for the Baringo Senate seat in August.
Both DP Ruto and Gideon Moi have expressed interest in running for president in the 2022 elections. The meeting between former President Moi and President Kenyatta has raised concerns within the Ruto camp, particularly given Mama Ngina Kenyatta's visit to former President Moi at his Kabarnet home in Nakuru just a month prior.
Meeting Details ¶
According to sources, the meeting at Moi's Kabarnet Gardens home in Nairobi focused on the current political situation and the upcoming August 8 elections. Former President Moi reportedly expressed his support for President Kenyatta's reelection bid and requested that Kanu be allocated some positions in the government should President Kenyatta win.
Former President Moi also urged an end to the conflict between Jubilee leaders and Gideon Moi, advocating for a cordial working relationship between President Kenyatta and his son.
Reaction and Implications ¶
The potential agreement between President Kenyatta and former President Moi has elicited a strong reaction from Ruto's allies, including Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, who view it as an attempt by the Mois to undermine DP Ruto.
If President Kenyatta were to accept the proposed arrangement, giving Kanu and Gideon Moi greater political influence through government appointments, it could elevate Gideon Moi's profile in the Rift Valley and potentially disadvantage DP Ruto in the 2022 presidential elections.
This development could lead to a division of Rift Valley votes, ultimately benefiting another candidate. Additionally, there is a possibility that Gideon Moi might collaborate with other parties to form a stronger alliance in 2022, posing a challenge to Ruto's Jubilee in the presidential elections.
DP Ruto is also facing opposition from Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, who will run for reelection on the Chama Cha Mashinani ticket in August, and Meru Governor Peter Munya, who has announced his support for President Kenyatta's reelection bid in 2017 but intends to pursue the presidency in 2022.
