Karua defends Ndindi against ‘mole’ claims by Gachagua allies

By Newsflash Reporter

Peoples’ Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has defended Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro against claims by allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that he is a mole within the United Opposition.

Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), and his allies have accused Nyoro, who recently joined the Peoples Party of Kenya (PPK), of being President William Ruto’s project in the opposition.

While in the United States (US) on a month-long tour, Gachagua on Sunday, September 6, alleged that Ruto had given Nyoro more than Sh200 million to launch and popularise a new party aimed at dividing the Mt Kenya region.

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa have also claimed that Nyoro is a political “project” of Ruto in the region.

However, Karua has rejected the accusations, urging opposition leaders to give Nyoro time to prove his political allegiance.

Speaking during an interview on Inooro FM’s Hagaria Breakfast Show on Wednesday, September 9, Karua said:

“A young man called Ndindi Nyoro came, and started being pointed. You, who is pointing him were on the same side he was. You also came and we received you. Allow Ndindi to come like other people.”

“When another person comes from the faction that has been rejected by the people, we shall slaughter for you and warmly receive you the way we welcomed others.”

“When you are welcomed, don’t point at others, don’t close the door that was opened to you and you got in. If those who are joining us are people we ought to suspect, their actions will show us the kind of people they are. Even us, who are in the United Opposition, it is our actions which will demonstrate the kind of people we are in the last day.”

Warns against closing opposition doors

Karua said opposition leaders should not limit democratic participation by rejecting politicians based on suspicion, arguing that their actions would ultimately reveal their loyalties.

“If we are looking for good leadership and democracy, don’t put limits on democracy. There are no breaks on democracy. If there is a person whom we are suspecting of anything, we ought to give them time to prove themselves that they are part of us and not spying on us.”

DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua. Photo/Pool

Her remarks come against the backdrop of her close political ties with Gachagua, whom she welcomed into the opposition following his impeachment in October 2024.

The two leaders, who previously differed politically, later reconciled after visiting each other’s homes and pledged to speak with one political voice.

Karua’s defence of Nyoro could now test that unity as opposition leaders seek to consolidate their support in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Political analyst Kimani Muriithi said the emerging differences between Gachagua and Nyoro could significantly affect the opposition’s efforts to unite the region.

“The biggest test facing the opposition is the emerging Gachagua-Ndindi differences. That may make or break the opposition if not well handled,” Muriithi said.

He said the opposition would need to manage competing interests and personal differences carefully to avoid weakening its efforts to present a united political alternative to the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The dispute over Nyoro’s allegiance therefore presents an early test of whether opposition leaders can accommodate politicians from different political backgrounds while maintaining a common agenda.