Over the past week, Kiharu MP Hon. Ndindi Nyoro has been a trending political figure following his removal as the Chairperson of the powerful Budget and Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly. His ouster has sparked speculation about whether he is being targeted by the government and whether his rising influence could be used to counter the growing dominance of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the Mt. Kenya region.
The Rise and Fall of Ndindi Nyoro’s Influence
Ndindi Nyoro has long been considered one of the most powerful MPs in President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government. During the 2022 campaign period, his name was even floated as a potential running mate for Ruto. After the elections, he remained extremely close to the president, sometimes representing him in key political matters—a move that reportedly irked then-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
At some point, tensions between Nyoro and Gachagua became evident, with the former DP allegedly viewing Nyoro as a competitor rather than an ally. Young MPs in the Kenya Kwanza coalition often gravitated towards Nyoro, further fueling speculation that he was building his own power base. Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku once revealed in a TV interview that Gachagua had chased him away from his office due to his close ties with Nyoro.
However, Nyoro’s influence took a turn when he refused to participate in the impeachment of Gachagua. While this move won him admiration from the Mt. Kenya electorate, it reportedly put him at odds with the government. Since then, he has maintained a low profile in national politics.
Gachagua’s Unchecked Influence and the Government’s Failed Attempts to Counter Him
In contrast, Rigathi Gachagua has continued to grow more powerful within the Mt. Kenya region. His grassroots mobilization, coupled with his narrative of defending the region’s interests, has made him the dominant figure in the political landscape. Despite multiple attempts by the government to weaken his influence, Gachagua has only become stronger.
President Ruto’s efforts to neutralize him have included reaching out to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, appointing Uhuru’s allies to government positions, and attempting to woo Mt. Kenya leaders. However, these moves have largely failed. The president has faced hostility in the region, with his last visit to Embu ending in jeers. Since then, he has avoided Mt. Kenya, raising concerns about his dwindling support.
Could Ndindi Nyoro Be the Answer?
Political analysts argue that Nyoro could be the ideal candidate to challenge Gachagua’s grip on Mt. Kenya. They note that the region often rallies behind leaders they perceive as victims of political persecution—something that worked for both Ruto and Gachagua in the past. If the government intentionally sidelines Nyoro further, he may gain sympathy and emerge as a counterforce to Gachagua.
Additionally, analysts point out that Nyoro’s fallout with Ruto was not as severe as his differences with Gachagua. This means that Ruto could potentially work with Nyoro in the future if he becomes influential enough to challenge the former DP. The removal of Nyoro from the Budget Committee could be just the beginning, with more targeted political actions expected to raise his profile.
The Unfolding Political Chess Game
As the political landscape continues to evolve, key questions remain:
• Will Ndindi Nyoro align himself with Rigathi Gachagua, forming a united Mt. Kenya front?
• Will he work with President Ruto to regain political relevance?
• Or does he have his own independent strategy to navigate the political terrain?
Only time will tell how this power struggle in Mt. Kenya will unfold. What is clear, however, is that the battle for influence in the region is far from over.
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Spot On!