President William Ruto has explained why he chose to extend an olive branch to his long-time political opponent, Gideon Moi, saying it was a deliberate decision aimed at fostering national unity and bringing KANU into the broad-based government.
Speaking at Moi’s Kabarak home on Friday, Ruto said the outreach is part of a wider mission to bring the country together and continue the vision set by Kenya’s early leaders.
He noted that the talks were influenced by the need to improve key sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth.
One of the biggest outcomes of their meeting was an agreement that KANU would officially join the broad-based government, marking the party’s return to mainstream governance after spending several years in opposition. Ruto emphasised that he personally initiated the talks.
“I reached out to my brother so that we can move the country forward. If anyone has an issue, don’t put it on Moi—put it on me,” Ruto said.
He added, “I sought out my brother to help me lift this country from third world status to the level of places like Singapore.” He clarified that his unity efforts also involve figures like Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ruto also revealed that finding the right way and place to make the reconciliation public was not straightforward. At one point, Gideon Moi asked him how Kenyans might react to their decision to work together.
“After we finished our discussions, Gideon asked me who should announce it and where. I told him I’ve been to this place before, and this is exactly where we’ll make it known to the country,” Ruto shared.
Gideon Moi Steps Back from Senate Plans
Gideon Moi thanked President Ruto for the initiative and explained why he was willing to put aside their political rivalry.
“The President knows why I didn’t appear on the ballot. I still had unfinished work in Baringo—things like dams and roads—so that’s why I had planned to contest. But since President Ruto was elected by Kenyans, I decided to listen to him,” he said.
Development Promises for Baringo
During the same visit, Ruto unveiled several projects meant to benefit Baringo County. He promised the construction and rehabilitation of major roads, and confirmed that a new stadium in Kabarnet would be launched within two months.
He also announced plans to set up a new university in Kabarnet to honour the legacy of the late Daniel arap Moi, who was behind the founding of Moi University in Eldoret.
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