"Hiyo Ni Yako” — KANU Leaders Distance Themselves Away From Gideon Moi’s Call to Join Ruto's Gov't

A section of KANU leaders from Baringo County has publicly distanced itself from party chairman Gideon Moi’s recent call to join President William Ruto’s proposed broad-based government, signaling growing cracks within the independence party.

The leaders, speaking during a grassroots meeting in Kabarnet, dismissed Moi’s position as personal and not representative of the wider membership of KANU in Baringo.

Led by county party coordinator Samuel Kiprop and former councillor Joseph Cherop.

 The officials said the idea of aligning with the Kenya Kwanza administration runs contrary to the founding principles of the party and the expectations of its supporters.

“Hiyo ni yako!” one leader remarked, in a direct rebuke to Moi’s suggestion. 

KANU was not built to be a political accessory to any regime. 

If Gideon Moi wants to join Ruto’s government, he can do so in his personal capacity, not on behalf of the people of Baringo.” he said.

The leaders argued that the broad-based government initiative is being used as a political smokescreen to co-opt opposition figures and silence dissenting voices.

They maintained that KANU should instead focus on rebuilding its grassroots structures,

 Reconnecting with voters, and re-establishing its independent identity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“We respect Gideon Moi as our leader, but we cannot be dragged into government without a clear ideological framework,” said Kiprop.

“KANU’s legacy stands for independence, self-reliance, and integrity. Joining government for convenience betrays that history.” he said

The discontent mirrors growing divisions among opposition parties over whether to embrace or reject President Ruto’s invitation to form a broad-based administration.

Political analysts believe the public dissent from KANU’s Baringo wing signals deeper tensions within the once-dominant party, 

which has struggled to regain relevance since losing its national foothold two decades ago.

But even as the debate rages on, KANU faces a defining moment.

whether to align with Ruto’s unity narrative or maintain its autonomy as an independent political entity.