Eyes on Gideon following revamped Kanu-Jubilee deal

**Baringo Senator Gideon Moi (third left) today held a consultative meeting with leaders from Rift Valley at his Kabarak home.**

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi today held a consultative meeting with leaders from Rift Valley at his Kabarak home.

The discussion centred on the current political happenings in the country and the impact of covid-19.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, MPs Joshua Kuttuny, Silas Tiren, William Kamket and former EAC minister Musa Sirma were present.

Gideon, who is also Kanu chairman, has been on the spotlight following the revamped relationship between the party and Jubilee.

As leaders scramble for partnerships and alliances ahead of the 2022 General Election, it is hard to ignore the calls for referendum that were upbeat before the pandemic disrupted campaigns around it.

Part of the campaigns were veiled under the Building Bridges Initiative campaign which further drew the battle lines among camps.

The BBI process, which is a product of the ‘handshake’ between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga is being closely watched, especially as it is thought to provide a power-sharing vehicle for politicians.

Like in every battleground, there's bound to be casualties - William Ruto, Kipchumba Murkomen and Susan Kihika.

During the BBI rally in Mombasa, the Elgeyo Marakwet senator changed tune and danced to the referendum beat.

Speaking at the BBI rally at the Mama Ngina grounds in Mombasa, Murkomen changed tune when he said he supports calls for a referendum.

He was invited to speak by Governor Hassan Joho, who put him on the spot, on whether he supports or rejects calls for a referendum.

To which he said, yes.

Referendum calls

Parliament has published a Bill to guide the referendum process, amid revelations that MPs will have the final say on any proposed changes to the Constitution before Kenya goes to a referendum.

The proposed law effectively removes one of the last hurdles in the way of a referendum at a time when there are reports that the BBI report, likely to recommend crucial constitutional changes, is complete.

The report is expected to, among other issues, tinker with the structure of the Executive, to accommodate competing political interests.

Gideon met leaders from Rift Valley, a vote-rich bloc that has no kingpin apparent.

Deputy President William Ruto may have tried his hand at carrying the elusive title, but hurdles in his way include being in a party that may not always support his decisions.

Other than the Kihika-Murkomen debacle, the lack of party support played out in the Kibra by-election where the DP's candidate McDonald Mariga conceded defeat after reading the writing on the wall. ODM's Imran Okoth had floored him.

As goals are switched and alliances renewed or shaken, the race for Rift Valley leadership is expected to shape conversations ahead of the General Election.