In a move that is likely to further create a rift in the Rift Valley, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has officially announced that he will run for the Presidency in 2022.

The Kanu party leader while speaking during the launch of Maina Njenga’s senatorial bid in Laikipia over the weekend, Moi said that his journey to State House has started.

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The decision once again puts him on a direct collision course with Deputy President William Ruto who has declared that he will vie for the highest office in the land in 2022.

“Those who we call prophets of doom should not bother you, we have decide it is Maina Njenga for senator and President Uhuru for presidency in August 2017, but my journey, presidential bid in 2022, has just started today here in Laikipia,” said Gideon Moi.

Despite Moi publicly declaring his and Kanu's support for President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election bid in August, the rivalry between him and Ruto has heightened in recent months.

"I have supported the Jubilee government, Ruto being the Deputy President for two terms since 2013. Ruto arudishe mkono kwangu, ama namna gani (Ruto should return the favour, what do you think)?” Moi said during a church service at Full Gospel Church of Kenya in Tenges, Baringo central sub-county in March.

According to Moi, the deal between Kanu and Jubilee Party will run until 2022 when a new political pact and strategy will replace the current existing one.

The Kanu-Jubilee pact is seen by many as likely to boost Moi's prominence as Kanu is set to receive some key cabinet slots and parastatal appointments should Uhuru retain the presidency after the August elections.

In the recent past Moi has said Rift Valley people no longer trust Ruto and President Uhuru himself should deal with them directly.