Following the demise of the longest-serving Kalenjin leader former president Daniel Arap Moi, there ensued a battle for control of the Kalenjin Community within and without. It was considered that the Son of Moi was to automatically take over from his father but that was not to be as the deputy president ran fast to the Talai clan elders and corona-ted himself.
This left no window for Gideon Moi who was touted as not a leader enough to succeed his father. He kept a low profile following the elevation of deputy president against him. Months after Dr. William Ruto was blessed by the elders, it has been a spanner in the works for the son of the former president who had no option but to seek the same blessings from elders.
The first attempt to get him anointed was met with resistance as anti-Gideon Moi forces mobilized youths to cause havoc and block the event which left a sore egg in the face of the son of the former president. Images of the mayhem appeared on tv sets and Kenyans couldn’t help but laugh as the battle showed that the Son of the former president wasn’t in control of the planning and execution.
Today at 3.am in the morning the son of the former president seems to have beaten the pro-Ruto team as he went to his group of elders to smear him with cultural blessings which will now put him at par with other community leaders who have been corona-ted by their communities. The event now signifies Gideon Moi is coming of age to lead the Kalenjin community. This leaves the Kalenjin nation divided some for William Ruto and others for Gideon Moi. The significance of the Moi ceremony will create a huge symbolism for him going forward into Kenyan politics.
It’s unfortunate for William Ruto to know that Gideon Moi is corona-ted, the ceremony will henceforth open the battle lines in the rift valley and it will come to haunt his quest for 2022. Moi will now have a chance to speak before elders, he has come of age and it will remain to be a battle for who is suited to lead the Kalenjin Nation. Do you support Moi’s coronation?
