Ruto reveals reason for his handshake with Gideon Moi
By Steve Ireri, October 10, 2025President William Ruto has revealed the reasons behind his recent handshake with former Baringo Senator and KANU party leader Gideon Moi, describing the move as a strategic effort to unify leadership and accelerate Kenya’s development.
The handshake followed a meeting at State House on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, attended by a group of leaders from Baringo County.
The meeting, confirmed through photos and footage released by the State House on Thursday, October 9, showed Ruto and Gideon sharing a light moment as they walked towards the meeting area.
The timing of the encounter raised eyebrows, as thousands of KANU supporters had gathered at Kabarnet Airstrip earlier that day, hoping to accompany Moi to the IEBC offices for clearance to contest in the upcoming Baringo senatorial by-election.
Many were left disappointed when he did not appear at the nomination offices between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, forcing supporters to return home on foot.
Speaking about the handshake on Friday, October 10, 2025, Ruto explained that his engagement with Gideon was motivated by the need to build on historical foundations laid by KANU and to tackle ongoing challenges, particularly in the health sector.
He highlighted past efforts under former President Moi and President Mwai Kibaki, noting that attempts at universal health coverage under Jubilee had not succeeded.
“I am sharing this because I want to take you back to the origins of KANU and the foundation that was laid. We also agreed that we need to address the challenges in the health sector. You know what former President Moi did with the Nyayo wards in hospitals, and you know what President Mwai Kibaki tried with universal health coverage, but we did not succeed. We also attempted universal health coverage under Jubilee and did not succeed. Today, because we wanted to build on this legacy, we rolled out universal health coverage,” Ruto stated.
Ruto said he sought out Gideon Moi because he believes Kenya should not remain a third-world country and that collaborative leadership is essential to achieving transformative change.
Also watch: Tensions rise in Baringo as KANU, UDA supporters clash over senate race.
The president emphasised that the decision to bring Gideon on board was his own and that he takes full responsibility for any criticisms arising from the collaboration.
“It is the same approach we are applying to our economy. This is why I reached out to my brother Gideon Moi. Kenya should not remain a third-world country, and we can transform this nation in our lifetime. We have made progress in health, agriculture, and other sectors, but even with these achievements, it is not enough. We must lift this country to the next level,” the president said.
“I have had conversations with many leaders, including Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, urging them that it is important to move this country forward. I also spoke to Gideon and asked him to join me in uniting the country and advancing it to the next step. If there are any criticisms about this, the responsibility lies with me, because I was the one who called him,” the president added.
The handshake and meeting come shortly after Gideon officially shelved his candidacy to succeed the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo.
Ahead of the State House visit, Gideon had launched his campaigns, including a branded campaign truck and a Ksh2.5 million donation through Gladwell Cheruiyot to support his political activities.
Historically, Gideon and President Ruto have had a tense relationship, often clashing over Rift Valley leadership.
Notably, Gideon had previously blocked the president from visiting his late father, former President Daniel Arap Moi.