Gideon Moi receives Musa Sirma back to Kanu

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi (right) welcomes former Cabinet Minister Musa Sirma back to Kanu at his Alphega home in Mogotio. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Former Cabinet Minister Musa Sirma has officially joined Kanu and immediately been declared the Eldama Ravine sub-county Kanu branch chairman.

In a ceremony that was witnessed by Kanu National Chairman and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi at his Alphega home in Mogotio Constituency yesterday, Mr Sirma denounced the famous 2006 Eldama Ravine declaration that saw the Kalenjin community rally behind William Ruto, now deputy president, as the community spokesperson.

Sirma is a former minister for East African and Regional Cooperation and one time Eldama Ravine MP.

Accompanied by 300 supporters and members of the Lembus Council of Elder, the fiery politician known for his firm political stand, recalled that the declaration was the one that made Dr Ruto the deputy president and a Kalenjin elder, hence his current political status.

"I regret that pronouncement and apologise to the Kalenjin community for the declaration. I did not know that I was supporting a leader who could be against me with time," Sirma said.

It was in Sirma's Eldama Ravine Constituency where MPs from the Kalenjin community converged and endorsed Ruto, who was then Eldoret North MP, for president on an ODM-Kenya ticket ahead of the 2007 elections. Sirma thereafter led a team of crusaders against the Moi family in the North Rift.

When receiving Sirma and his group to the party, Gideon said he was happy that Sirma finally made his way home, just like the Prodigal son.

Gideon hailed Sirma's decision, saying he was ready to work with leaders like the former Eldama Ravine MP, who were genuine and honest. 

He said the Kanu party was quietly conducting recruitment even as it supported President Uhuru Kenyatta's government.

The Baringo Senator urged residents to strategise since come 2022, Kanu would not be in Opposition.

Gideon said his support for the handshake between Uhuru and Opposition leader Raila Odinga was informed by the need for inclusivity.

He dismissed claims that he had been blocking politicians from seeing former President Daniel Moi at the latter's Kabarak home.

“I'm not a watchman. You cannot ambush former President Daniel Moi. Even President Uhuru makes arrangements. I also don’t just enter his place anyhow. There are protocols, just make arrangements,” he said.

Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat welcomed Sirma back to the party, saying he was a great politician.

Sirma declared that he would help revamp Kanu and marshal support for Gideon's political endeavours.

Kenyans, he added, should be careful on the kind of leaders they elect.

He assured Gideon that they would work together and vowed to serve the party and the people of Kenya.

"I have accepted to work and assure you we will walk together. Someone should not tell us Gideon is a son to a dynasty. It’s better to have a dynasty than a corrupt individual," he said.

The Kalenjin community, he said, should not be intimidated by anyone to vote for Ruto.

Baringo Woman Representative Gladwell Cheruiyot said she had been praying to be in the same camp with Sirma.

She said she believed Sirma would deliver, adding that she was ready to make sure Gideon reached his political destiny. “I will sacrifice for him, even if it means losing my seat to see him rise to his destiny. Let no one lie to you that theirs is the best. Let’s love and take care of what we have,” she said.

Lembus Council of Elders Chairperson Joseph Leboo said it was sad that some people had been disrespecting former President Moi and failing to acknowledge the assistance they once got from him.

“We have no grudge with anyone or any political party, but currently, as Rift Valley, we are being told to follow someone who we never knew. Moi is the only person who can tell where he got him and if any of you knew him, I never knew him. Moi took him, held his hand and made him what he is today,” Mr Leboo said in reference to Ruto.

Meanwhile, Tiaty MP William Kamket received Geoffrey Lokortepa back to Kanu in his constituency. Mr Lokortepa was the architect of the Eldama Ravine Declaration alongside Sirma.