Gideon Moi: Is he getting ready for a stab at the presidency?

Sen. Gideon Moi

It all started back in late July when he launched KANU's digital recruitment drive, an initiative that seeks to increase the number of party members while leveraging on the use of technology.

Gideon Moi, the KANU chairman has had an active past one month, pointing to increased involvement politically.

A few days after this recruitment drive, leaders from Western Kenya led by COTU boss Francis Atwoli, Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Majority whip National Assembly Emmanuel Wangwe visited Moi at his Kabarak home. The tone of the meeting was generally political.

Atwoli, who has stated that he is a life KANU member is believed to be a serious power broker from the western side. Prior to the 2017 general elections, Atwoli organized a coronation ceremony to install Musalia Mudavadi as the official spokesperson of the "Mulembe Nation."

For several days now, leaders have trooped to Atwoli's Kajiado home in their numbers. 

Days, after the meeting with western leaders, Moi hosted a youth delegation from Kajiado at his Kabarak home. The youth were led by Senator Philip Mpaayei. According to insiders, the meeting dwelled on politics and lobbying for government jobs for the youth.

In a Gazette notice on 7th August 2020, KANU's secretary general Nick Salat was appointed as the Chair Agricultural Development Corporation replacing Mr. Benjamin Cheboi whose appointment was revoked. Mr. Salat has been a close ally of Baringo Senator, an indication that the Senator's influence in government cannot be wished away.

The increased activities at his Kabarak home have pointed to a trend where delegations from various parts of the country are starting to make their way there. The latest group to visit him was a section of MCAs and youth leaders from Bungoma and Transzoia counties.

Gideon in Malawi

Gideon Moi was the representative of president Kenyatta to Malawi when the new president Lazarus Chakwera was being sworn in. Why the President chose him over the other senators including the deputy president is still baffling. He was accompanied by a delegation including the foreign affairs CAS Ababu Namwamba.

All these are a clear indications of a man getting ready for something big. Is he going for the top seat?

Only time will tell.