Former Baringo Senator and Kenya African National Union (KANU) National Chairman Gideon Moi is set to make a political comeback after being nominated to contest the Baringo Senatorial seat in the forthcoming by-election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, KANU announced that Moi had been unanimously endorsed by the party following “extensive consultations, deliberations, and consensus” both within party structures and among Baringo residents.
“This decision underscores the party’s unwavering commitment to offering experienced, visionary, and people-centered leadership at a critical juncture for Baringo County and the nation at large,” said KANU spokesman Manasse Nyainda.
The senatorial seat fell vacant following the death of Senator William Cheptumo in February 2025.
Cheptumo, a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), had defeated Moi in the 2022 General Election, marking a major shift in Rift Valley politics and ending a decades-long Moi family hold on the seat.
In accepting the party’s nomination, Moi expressed gratitude to the people of Baringo and KANU supporters for their patience and confidence.
“I am deeply humbled by this call to serve and commit to leading a campaign driven by the voices and needs of the people—anchored on inclusivity, accountability, and development for all,” said Moi.
KANU now hopes to reclaim the seat as it seeks to revive its political fortunes in the Rift Valley.
The by-election is expected to draw fierce competition, with UDA and other parties also likely to field strong candidates in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest.
Political analysts say Moi’s re-entry into the race could reshape local dynamics and test both his political resilience and KANU’s grassroots influence in the county.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced the official date for the by-election to be November 27, 2025.
