Nairobi

A rift has opened within the Kenya African National Union (KANU) after its youth wing publicly distanced itself from party chairman Gideon Moi’s newfound alliance with President William Ruto.

In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, the KANU Youth Congress said it could not support a partnership that, in its view, betrays the party’s founding ideals of integrity, democracy, and respect for human rights.

“We, the KANU Youth Congress, fully dissociate from the newfound partnership between our National Chairman, Hon. Gideon Moi, and H.E. President William Ruto,” the statement read in part.

The youth accused the government of violating human rights, failing on accountability, and ignoring the rule of law. They argued that no coalition deal could redeem what they described as a regime “working against constitutional principles.”

“Our values as the youth and the party at large are founded on the promotion of accountability and transparency, respect for human rights, and the rule of law,” the group said, adding that these principles “continue to guide our participation in leadership and governance.”

‘A Dying Horse’

The youth leaders dismissed President Ruto’s effort to form a “broad-based government” — an initiative he says is meant to unite the country — calling it a desperate political manoeuvre.

“Solely consolidating the political class under the umbrella of ‘broad-based government’ is not only a fallacy but also the kicks of a dying horse,” the statement read.

They urged the government to focus on restoring public trust by fixing the health sector, improving education access, and addressing youth unemployment instead of seeking political alliances.

“We need the system to work. We need social services revived. We need a fair ground for employment for jobless youths. We need industrialisation prioritised over taxation,” they said.

Background to the Rift

The fallout comes just days after President Ruto announced KANU’s entry into his “broad-based government”, following a meeting with Moi in Baringo County on October 10.

Speaking to local leaders, Ruto said he had personally reached out to Moi to help “move the country forward.”

“I reached out to my brother so that we can help move the country forward. If there is any problem, do not blame Moi — blame me,” Ruto said, a day after hosting the former senator at State House.

Moi, a long-time political rival of the President, reportedly agreed to back Ruto’s unity drive and withdrew his bid to reclaim the Baringo Senate seat in favour of a candidate from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

However, the decision appears to have caused unease within the party, long associated with the Moi family’s independence-era legacy.

Political analysts suggest that the move could deepen divisions within KANU and raise questions about its future direction amid shifting alliances in Kenya’s political landscape.