Gideon Moi to make public his political plans

Baringo senator Gideon Moi  addressing residents at Kaptana in Koibatek, Baringo County during a fundraiser towards a medical bill of one of the residents suffering from kidney disease. [PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH/STANDARD]

BARINGO: Senator Gideon Moi has said he will soon make public his political plans, a move that could shake-up Rift Valley politics ahead of the next general elections.

Speaking at Kaptana in Koibatek during a fundraiser, the senator said he was aware of Deputy President William Ruto's political arrangement to vie for the national top seat in 2022, saying he had no problem with that.

Gideon, who was the chief guest at a fund-raising towards medical bill of one of the residents, said it was seven years to 2022, but his political ambitions could possibly come much earlier.

"Like every other leader, I have the responsibility of ensuring the people I represent are adequately served. The DP and I will definitely come before you with different agendas and ways in which we believe will change the lives of our people. It is upon you to decide which way to go and who to follow when that time comes," said the senator.

Gideon, who is the Senate Energy Committee chairman, said his political decision was not about derailing other people from ascending the political ladder as claimed by a section of politicians.

On matters security, Gideon held separate talks with representatives from the Pokot and Tugen communities at Lake Bogoria SPA resort, to try and look for a lasting solution to the decade-long differences between the two communities.

During the day-long meeting, the warring communities made their submissions and possible recommendations to end hostilities.

"We are almost realising a breakthrough, its encouraging to realise that both parties have decided to give peace a chance, this is always the way to take', said Gideon.

Elders, Opinion Leaders from Mochongoi, Sandai, Arabal, Barwessa, Saimo Soi and Bartabwa told the senator to push for compensation of families who lost property and their loved ones, resettlement of displaced families, rehabilitation of schools and support to students from the affected families.

 HIGH HOPES

While responding to the communities' concerns, Gideon said disarmament, recruitment of youth to NYS, deployment of Kenya Police Reservists and opening up of more police posts were some of the priorities that were agreed upon during a security meeting between North Rift leaders, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy.

"Development will always remain elusive unless peace is given a priority. As leaders, we are happy with the progress so far. The Government is willing and ready to walk side by side with your leaders," he told the participants.

Eldama Ravine MP Mosses Lessonet appreciated efforts being played by the senator in the county and at the national level.

"You have really worked extra hard to ensure that issues affecting our farmers are addressed properly," said the MP.

The Senator has also asked the Government to fast-track the issuance of title deeds to residents of Mochongoi to enable them realise the economic value of their land.

Gideon said he hopes residents who have stayed for over 12 years without title deeds will be issued with the documents before the end of the year.

While addressing residents after attending a church service at Africa Inland Church in Kimoriot, the Kanu National Chairman said he will do his best to ensure residents are issued with title deeds. "My message to the government is to speed up the issuance of title deeds to residents. They have stayed for 12 years without the documents," he said.