Kacheliba MP: Ruto sought Gideon Moi to spare him from Baringo senate by-election loss
By William Muthama, October 29, 2025Kacheliba MP Titus Lotee has defended President William Ruto’s intervention in the Baringo senatorial by-election, saying the move to secure Kanu chairman Gideon Moi’s withdrawal was aimed at protecting him from the humiliation of being defeated in the contest.
Speaking during a TV interview on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Lotee noted that Ruto’s actions were intended to safeguard unity within the broader political arrangement and prevent unnecessary political embarrassment for Moi.
“The president saw that if Gideon Moi went to the polls in Baringo, he was going to be trounced by a young UDA candidate.”
“He acted to ensure the son of a former president was not humiliated,” Lotee said, adding that such measures reflect Ruto’s broader approach to inclusive governance.
Also watch: Ruto speaks on his pact with Gideon Moi.
The MP emphasised that Ruto’s intervention was part of a deliberate strategy to maintain harmony among allied parties and strengthen the broad-based coalition, which has been a cornerstone of the current administration.
He argued that preventing internal competition from escalating into open conflicts is crucial, especially with national and local elections approaching.
“The president’s move was not about favouritism; it was about preserving dignity and political cohesion. This is the kind of leadership that balances strategic interests with respect for political allies,” Lotee said.
Lotee also highlighted the president’s engagement with political allies following recent events, including the passing of a former prime minister, which had created a need to stabilise the coalition.
He said Ruto’s visible presence in Baringo and other campaign activities was necessary to ensure that allied parties remain aligned and the broad-based arrangement continues to function effectively.
“We elect a president to work for Kenyans, but we also elect a president who can engage with Kenyans and maintain harmony among partners. That is what we are seeing in Baringo,” Lotee noted.
Gideon Moi stepped down from the Baringo senatorial by-election a day before submitting his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the November 27 vote.
He was set to face UDA Senate aspirant Kiprono Chemitei, but his withdrawal followed a meeting with President Ruto and a Kanu delegation at State House, Nairobi, a decision Ruto described as “respectful and strategic”.