Ndindi Nyoro's political forays causing tension

MP Ndindi Nyoro in a dance with students from Mugoiri Secondary School when he launched the Kiharu Masomo Bora program targeting 14,000 students in day secondary schools. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

'We are African and Africa is our Business'. This is the trademark used by Ndindi Nyoro, the second-term Kiharu MP who has recently been holding a series of political forays across the country, a move that has left many Kenyans and analysts guessing on his next political move.

During his countrywide tours, Nyoro seems to have backtracked his quest to flex muscles with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the control of Mount Kenya politics as well as future political contest for the country's topmost seat - President.

In the last few months, Nyoro appears to be expanding his areas of influence and has visited several regions including Nyanza as he courts new allies beyond Mount Kenya's enclave.

Early this year, Nyoro's allies - Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu and Gatanga MP Edward Muriu had attempted to angle him as President William Ruto's preferred successor after he exits office in 2032.

On February 10, amidst talks between him and the DP, Nyoro announced that he would support the latter's quest to unite the Mt Kenya region. He had accompanied Gachagua to Murang'a for a fundraiser where he announced that leaders in the region were fully behind the government led by President Ruto and Gachagua.

"We offer the President and his Deputy unconditional support as they serve Kenyans. To the Deputy President, we offer you support and pray that you succeed in the tea, coffee, and milk agricultural sub-sector reforms. We love you and support you as our leaders," said Nyoro.

Political analyst Dr. Philip Chebunet told The Sunday Standard that Nyoro should capitalise on his position as a leader to mentor other leaders on prudent management of public resources and assisting the Kenya Kwanza administration to fulfil its manifesto.

Dr Chebunet said that the lawmaker needs to be careful not to expose himself too much to national leadership politics but focus on service delivery.

"Nyoro should be careful and not open himself up this early. At this stage, he does not need to show that he is competing with anybody but use that strength to help the government achieve its manifesto. Too much exposure might lead to sabotage because enemies of his progress are not happy," the University of Eldoret lecturer said.

"He is the chairman of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee. He should instead use that platform to guide and mentor other leaders on how public resources should be used to transform the lives of Kenyans. He has a bright future, but he needs to go slow," he added.

On Tuesday this week, Nyoro said that his countrywide tours have the blessings of Ruto and Gachagua and told Kenyans not to read too much over his moves.

Nyoro, who was the chief guest at an education bursary issuance forum at Kabete Constituency in Kiambu County accompanied by a battalion of more than ten Kenya Kwanza MPs, said he is just playing his role as the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee chairperson.

"We are doing everything to ensure that every part of this country feels the development projects that are entrenched by our government. That is why I have today highlighted the various budgetary allocations that we have made to ensure that this country moves forward in terms of development. No part of the country will be left behind," Nyoro said.

Before the Kiambu tour, Nyoro was in Uasin Gishu County where he had held a political meeting with area leaders. He has also visited the Nyanza region for several activities as he continues to build his networks. Gachagua recently cautioned his Kenya Kwanza allies in Mt Kenya against attending public meetings that are meant to disrupt unity within the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.

He said he held a meeting with Governors, Senators, and MPs from the region and urged them to focus on development instead of entrenching the 2027 and 2032 General Elections politics.

"Some leaders were entrenching divisive politics within Nyeri, Murang'a, and Kiambu counties. We don't want a leader to travel from Nyeri to another county for meetings that are meant to cause disunity in our region. Everyone should stay at their place and deliver services to their people," Gachagua said.

He spoke last month while he was accompanying President William Ruto in commissioning the Changachina Irrigation Water Project in Chinga, Nyeri County.

"As the people of Mt Kenya, we resolved to be solving our issues internally without being divided. When we ditched ourselves in that trap during the Matiba and Kibaki contest, we lost as a region. From the year 2002, we became clever and resolved to iron out our issues as a united community," the country's second-in-command said.

On Friday, Nyoro attended the Nairobi business community thanksgiving prayer rally at Nyamakima where he received a warm welcome.