Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi yesterday held a consultative meeting with a section of leaders from Rift Valley at his Kabarak home.
Gideon met Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, MPs Joshua Kutuny (Cherangany), Silas Tiren (Moiben) and William Kamket (Tiaty), and former East African minister Musa Sirma.
The five-hour meeting came days after the Baringo Senator led the party in signing a coalition deal with President Uhuru Kenyatta, which has caused a lot of heat in the political arena ahead of the 2022 elections.
The deal was immediately followed by the ouster of Kipchumba Murkomen as Senate Majority Leader; he was replaced by Kanu’s Samuel Poghisio in what was seen as a purge of leaders curtailing President Kenyatta’s agenda within Jubilee Party.
According to a statement sent out by Gideon’s communication aide, the discussions in Kabarak were around politics, the coronavirus pandemic and measures to be undertaken to alleviate the suffering of victims of floods in the region.
“The Kanu national chairman met a section of Rift Valley leaders at his Kabarak home and the discussions centred on the current political happenings in the country, the impact of Covid-19 on livelihoods, and the floods that have affected parts of the Rift Valley,” the statement read.
The leaders noted that the pandemic is threatening people’s livelihoods and the economy, and there is a need to put in place measures to cushion those who are hardest hit.
When reached for comment, the leaders said the meeting was part of a series of consultations going on to address issues affecting the country, and specifically the residents of Rift Valley.
Mr Tolgos said there was a lot happening in the country and as leaders from Rift Valley, they have been having meetings to discuss and support the president’s plans.
“This is just a continuation of meetings to put our heads together and provide solutions to the challenges bedevilling our country and our people from the Rift Valley,” he said.
The governor added that the meeting was fruitful and the country will see more of these types of caucus.
Mr Kutuny said the political atmosphere in the country requires that like-minded leaders meet and plan.
“We all know what is happening in the political landscape and only ignorant people will not see the wave gathering,” he said.
The Cherangany MP added that they tasked Gideon with reaching out to the president to address the plight of flood victims in the region and those facing hunger.
He said Gideon as a senior leader from the region is instrumental in pushing its agenda.
“In government, goodwill is key in opening up opportunities for a region. We have no doubt that Gideon is in a position to present our issues in the national arena,” he said.
Mr Kamket on his part said Kenyans will see more of such meetings.
“I will be very candid with you. Gideon Moi is not any other leader and an apple does not fall far from the tree. We should prepare as a region and when the time comes, we should support him,” he said.
Kamket said those who have been belittling the senator should be prepared for a shock.
“You have seen what happened last week. Murkomen who thought he was indispensable is just a senator now. Those of his ilk should be wary. Respect the president and do not be blinded that you have a godfather in the name of the deputy president. I doubt if he has even called Murkomen and the rebels ousted to say pole,” the Tiaty MP said.
Long gone
Mr Sirma said the idea of the Rift Valley rallying behind a single individual was long gone.
“The country has for long been cheated that Rift Valley belongs to one person. We are telling Kenya that there are many leaders in the region and Gideon is one of them. Work with our son,” he said.
Moiben MP Tiren said they were ready to work with President Kenyatta through Gideon, who is not a divisive leader.
“You all know Gideon, the humble leader whose politics is that of love and unity. With him, rest assured. He is truly a safe pair of hands for all Kenyans,” he said.
