Inside Ruto’s deal with Gideon Moi

Gideon Moi has reached an agreement with President William Ruto under which the Kenya African National Union (KANU) will join the broad-based government. The agreement, which was drafted at State House and announced in Kabarak on Friday, is the result of tireless behind-the-scenes efforts that President Ruto has now made public. The two leaders declared political cooperation, with Gideon Moi withdrawing his candidacy for a Senate election to support President Ruto. In return, President Ruto pledged to expedite development projects stalled in Baringo County, including road construction and the construction of a stadium and university. The agreement aims to promote political unity and development in the country. Following the death of Raila Odinga, William Ruto's chances in the upcoming 2027 elections are considered to have increased significantly. Raila Odinga's death creates a power vacuum in Kenya's opposition, particularly within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which relied heavily on Odinga's charismatic leadership. The lack of a strong, unifying opposition leader is leading to fragmentation and uncertainty within the ODM, weakening its ability to mount a united challenge to Ruto. Political analysts argue that the outcome of the 2027 elections may already be predetermined in favor of President William Ruto, pointing to his previous victory over Odinga in 2022, despite the support of powerful factions. Ruto's government is credited with stabilizing and transforming parts of the Kenyan economy, which his supporters believe will strengthen his re-election chances. Furthermore, there is a risk that the opposition, particularly among younger activists, is becoming increasingly restless. However, this dynamic could ultimately benefit Ruto heading into the next election. Ruto's previous efforts to engage Odinga in dialogue and maintain political stability are now giving way to a new political landscape in which Ruto faces a less organized opposition but also greater unpredictability from emerging political forces. Overall, the loss of Raila Odinga is seen as a major strategic advantage for William Ruto, securing him a second term as president in 2027. @https://www.pulselive.co.ke/articles/news/politics/inside-rutos-deal-with-gideon-moi-whats-in-it-for-kenyans-kanu-and-baringo-county-2025101107315408515