Baringo Senator Gideon Moi’s 2022 presidential bid suffered a major setback on Sunday after a host of KANU leader from his home turf joined DP William Ruto’s fray in the latest realignments.
Kanu’s key leader in Baringo - Charles Kamuren - defected to Jubilee Party in aligning for the 2022 race for State House.
Kamuren, who until his defection belonged to Senator Gideon Moi’s outfit, was expected to be Kanu’s candidate for the Baringo South by-election expected in the last elections.
He mentioned that Jubilee had a national outlook, focused on unity, peace and development of all Kenyans.
"I am happy that I am declaring here today that I have ditched Kanu for Jubilee with all my supporters. We have realized that Jubilee Party is committed to peace and stability of all Kenyans including this region,” Kamuren stated.
He added: “It is impressive that the Deputy President has been more than committed to peaceful coexistence among all communities living along the Kerio Valley.”
Raila's ODM
ODM also suffered the same fate as Kanu when its key leader in Baringo Amos Olempaka ditched the party for Jubilee.
Olempaka said it’s only Jubilee Party that had the capacity and commitment to transforming the lives of Kenyans.
Addressing the function, Ruto assured all candidates wishing to contest for the Baringo South parliamentary seat left vacant following the death of MP Grace Kipchoim that Jubilee had no preferred candidates for the seat.
“It’s the voters who will decide and the peoples’ choice is the God’s choice," Ruto affirmed.
The new development sets yet another stage of political acrimony between DP Ruto and Mr Moi, who has in the recent past been accused of blocking the DP from accessing his father Daniel Moi.