In the midst of swirling speculations and endorsement battles over the succession politics in Mt. Kenya, Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has reassured Kenyans of his unwavering support for President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua. The MP’s remarks came during a political gathering in Garsen constituency, Tana River County, where he attended the launch of Kokane Gobu Secondary School at the invitation of area MP Ali Wario Guyo.
Nyoro, a key figure in the Kenya Kwanza coalition, sought to dispel rumors about internal conflicts within the leadership, asserting,
“We as Kenya Kwanza, we all give our president and his deputy full, total and unconditional support as they lead our nation.”
The MP emphasized that his role, along with other members of the coalition, is to support the President and his deputy in realizing their vision for the country, especially in economic advancement.
The political landscape in Mt. Kenya has witnessed a surge in discussions regarding the succession plan for the region, with a section of leaders advocating for Nyoro to replace Deputy President Gachagua in the 2027 polls. Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Gatanga MP Edward Muriu have openly endorsed Nyoro, asserting that he stands as a more popular candidate capable of securing victory for Ruto in the upcoming elections.
Nyutu, in an interview, explained the rationale behind supporting Nyoro, stating,
“If you want to win an election, you need to defend a seat, and the running mate should be balanced. I would not want to see the president coming in with a running mate who is not popular. I think there will be challenges with Gachagua, hence Nyoro will be preferred as we are on the ground listening to people.”
Despite the growing calls for Nyoro’s candidacy, Deputy President Gachagua has remained defiant, dismissing the endorsements and urging fellow leaders to focus on development rather than premature politics. Gachagua’s stance was evident in his response to Nyutu and Wahome’s televised endorsements, where he cautioned against excitement on TV and emphasized the need for leaders to concentrate on meaningful development initiatives.
In an effort to mediate the apparent discord within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, the Kikuyu Council of Elders offered to broker a truce between Gachagua and Nyoro. The council’s national chairman, Wachira Kiago, suggested that external forces might be seeking to undermine Gachagua, urging the leaders to form a singular coalition for the unity of the Mt. Kenya community.
Responding to the succession talks, President Ruto expressed his displeasure, labeling them as an insult to Kenyans. During a speech in Gilgil, Nakuru, he called on leaders, especially those from Kenya Kwanza and UDA, to concentrate on delivering on the mandate given to them by the people.
“It will be a great problem if we do not deliver,” Ruto emphasized.
Fast-forward to recent developments, Ndindi Nyoro took to the podium during a church service in Nyakach, Kisumu County, to affirm the commitment of President Ruto’s government to serve all Kenyans impartially. As the chair of the Budget and Appropriation Committee, Nyoro highlighted the government’s priorities, emphasizing the allocation of Ksh. 700 billion towards education in the Ksh. 3.6 trillion budget. He assured Kenyans of sustained development efforts and pledged to complete stalled projects, particularly focusing on road infrastructure.
Accompanied by Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek, Nyoro criticized the judiciary and suggested a reduction in their budgetary allocation, alleging obstruction of government development plans. The lawmaker underscored his dedication to aligning government spending with the needs of the people and emphasized the importance of education in the Kenya Kwanza government’s agenda.
In his efforts to dispel reports of a rift with Deputy President Gachagua, Nyoro, during a political gathering, reiterated his allegiance to the current leadership, stating,
“We as members of Kenya Kwanza, all of us, have given our President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua total and unconditional support as they lead our nation.”
He urged fellow politicians to extend the same respect to Gachagua and stressed the unity within the Kenya Kwanza regime.
As the succession discussions continue to unfold, Ndindi Nyoro’s statements and actions underscore a delicate balance between political alliances and the broader goal of serving the Kenyan people. The intricacies of the political landscape in Mt. Kenya suggest that the dynamics within the Kenya Kwanza coalition are evolving, and the coming months may reveal the direction the region will take in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.