Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. Photo/Handout
By Wanderi Kamau
President William Ruto’s revelation that he is mentoring Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has sparked speculation over whether the youthful legislator is the head of state’s political project in the Mt Kenya region.
During an exclusive interview with Kikuyu radio and TV stations on Monday, 31 March, night, Ruto openly praised Nyoro, calling him a “fine young man” and admitting that he was guiding him politically.
“Ndindi Nyoro is a very fine young man. I am mentoring him,” Ruto said.
This statement has fueled fresh discussions about Nyoro’s political future, with many questioning whether he is being groomed to take over Mt Kenya’s leadership amid the fallout between Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Nyoro: A Fence-sitter or political strategist?
For months, Nyoro has carefully avoided taking a clear political stand. Even after he was dramatically ousted as the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee chair, he did not openly criticize Ruto or his allies.
Instead, he has remained cautious, making vague remarks that have left many guessing about where his true loyalties lie. When he addressed the media in Nairobi following his removal, Nyoro appeared uncomfortable and struggled to articulate his political stance.
Read more: Ruto: I am mentoring Ndindi Nyoro
Political analyst Mark Kariuki believes this is a calculated move by the legislator.
“Ndindi Nyoro is a smart politician. He knows that Mt Kenya politics is very fluid at the moment, and he does not want to commit himself too early. By remaining neutral, he is keeping his options open,” Kariuki told Newsflash Kenya.
Gachagua’s accusation: Ruto is sponsoring political parties in Mt Kenya
On Monday, Gachagua accused Ruto of attempting to divide the Mt Kenya region by sponsoring multiple political parties.
“Please beware. Ruto wants to divide us. He wants to create many parties in the Mountain. Apart from the party that I shall form, all others are linked to him,” Gachagua warned while addressing residents in Wangige, Kiambu County.
Read more:Gachagua: Ruto the ‘greatest existential threat to Kenya’
This statement has further intensified speculation that Ndindi Nyoro is part of Ruto’s broader political strategy. Reports have linked Nyoro to the People’s Power Party (PPK), which is said to be working closely with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. If true, this would indicate that Nyoro is involved in a grand scheme to reorganize Mt Kenya politics under Ruto’s influence.
Did Ruto confirm the fears?
Ruto’s public endorsement of Nyoro has left many wondering if he unintentionally confirmed these fears. By openly acknowledging that he is mentoring Nyoro, the president may have validated suspicions that he is working behind the scenes to prop up an alternative leadership in Mt Kenya.
“Ruto is a master strategist. He rarely says things by accident. If he mentioned that he is mentoring Ndindi, it is because he wants people to know,” noted political commentator Jane Wanjiru.
She argues that Ruto’s support for Nyoro could be a deliberate attempt to weaken Gachagua’s grip on the region.
“Gachagua has been positioning himself as the undisputed kingpin of Mt Kenya, but Ruto does not want that. He wants to have multiple leaders who owe their political relevance to him,” Wanjiru added.
Nyoro’s silence on Gachagua’s impeachment: A telling sign?
Another indicator that Nyoro could be Ruto’s preferred candidate is his silence on Gachagua’s impeachment saga. While he did not vote in favor of the motion, he has also avoided openly declaring his support for the former deputy president.
Many expected Nyoro to stand firmly with Gachagua, given that they both hail from Mt Kenya and have previously worked together. However, his failure to take a clear position has led to speculation that he does not want to antagonize Ruto.
What lies ahead for Nyoro
The coming months will be crucial in determining Nyoro’s political fate. If he is indeed Ruto’s political project, he will likely be given a more significant role in government or within the ruling coalition.
Read more: Ruto: Gachagua demanded Sh10 billion from me
However, his success will depend on how well he navigates the complicated Mt Kenya political landscape. Gachagua remains a formidable force, and any attempt to sideline him could lead to resistance from a section of the region’s leaders.
For now, Nyoro continues to walk a fine line, carefully balancing his relationship with both Ruto and Gachagua. But with 2027 fast approaching, he may soon have to take a definitive stand—one that could shape his political future for years to come.
