Gideon Moi now tells DP Ruto to back his presidential bid

dennis kibet

March 27, 2017 3:12 PM

Moi said that Ruto should return the favour in 2022 after Kanu’s recent decision to back President Kenyatta’s re-election bid in August this year.

Deputy President William Ruto ( left) and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi during the Kimalel Baringo County goat auction on December 20, 2014.

The rivalry between Deputy President William Ruto and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has further escalated after the Kanu Chairman told the DP to support his presidential bid.

"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 on Sunday.

Kanu-Jubilee pact

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.

Moi’s sentiments will likely increase the already frosty relationship between him and Ruto who has already declared his intention to vie for the Presidency in 2022.

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

As a result, Moi has joined forces with Isaac Rutto of the Chama Cha Mashinani to try and neutralise DP Ruto's influence in the vote-rich Rift Valley region.