Nakuru, October 12, 2025 – President William Ruto on Friday made a historic visit to Kabarak, the family home of the late President Daniel arap Moi, in what marks a decisive political truce with KANU Chairperson Gideon Moi after years of public rivalry.
The visit comes just days after Gideon Moi’s private meeting with Ruto at State House Nairobi, followed by his surprise withdrawal from the Baringo senatorial by-election — a move that political observers now see as part of a broader reconciliation deal.
President Ruto said the meeting was guided by the necessity of national unity and the urgency of Kenya’s transformation agenda.
“The necessity of national unity demands of all of us to rise above that which divides us so that we work together on the transformation agenda that is urgent in our country,” President Ruto said.
“We must, therefore, put aside politics that could cause division and become partners in the national endeavour to get Kenya out of Third World status and make it a prosperous country that works for all citizens.”
He added that he was “glad that KANU, under the leadership of Chairman Gideon Moi, will work with Kenya Kwanza government to address the challenges facing the country.”
Ruto’s remarks confirm that KANU, Kenya’s oldest political party, has formally agreed to work with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition under a “broad-based government” — signaling a new era of cooperation between the President and the Moi family, once his fiercest political adversaries.
At the KANU grassroots meeting held at Kabarak grounds, President Ruto emphasized the need for political inclusivity and reconciliation, saying Kenya’s progress required leaders to “rise above partisanship.”
The symbolic visit to Kabarak — a bastion of Moi’s political legacy — has stirred fresh debate across the political spectrum. Analysts say the move is a masterstroke in Ruto’s Rift Valley consolidation strategy, bringing the Moi dynasty into his fold as the opposition attempts to regroup ahead of 2027.
“This is both symbolic and strategic,” noted a Nakuru-based political commentator. “By walking into Kabarak and walking out with Gideon Moi, President Ruto has erased one of the longest-standing political grudges in Kenyan history.”
For Gideon Moi and KANU, the alliance offers a chance to reclaim national relevance after years on the political periphery. For Ruto, it reinforces his message of unity and expands his political base at a time when opposition leaders Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and Fred Matiang’i are forming a united front to challenge his administration.
Whether born out of conviction or convenience, the Ruto–Gideon handshake at Kabarak marks a turning point in Kenya’s political realignments — and could reshape alliances heading into the 2027 general election.
