Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro addressing a meeting at his constituency on 10 January, 2025. Photo/Newsflash
By Wanderi Kamau
The political career of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro faces a defining moment following his dramatic removal as chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, 5 March, 2025.
Once a rising star within President William Ruto’s inner circle, Nyoro’s fall from a critical parliamentary role has raised questions about his future influence and positioning within the ever-shifting dynamics of Kenya Kwanza politics.
Nyoro’s removal has been widely linked to his perceived indecisiveness during the political fallout that followed the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
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Once known for his fierce loyalty to Ruto and his vocal support of Mount Kenya’s interests, Nyoro has, in recent months, adopted what many see as a cautious, fence-sitting approach, unwilling to fully commit to either side of the deepening rift in government.
“Ndindi found himself at a crossroads after Gachagua’s impeachment. On one side, he owes his political rise to Ruto’s camp, but on the other, he couldn’t risk alienating Gachagua’s supporters in the Mt. Kenya region,” says political analyst Murache Mwangi.
“That indecision has cost him. In politics, neutrality is rarely rewarded,” he says
A calculated silence
Since the dramatic ouster of Gachagua, Nyoro has been noticeably silent on key political developments.
Despite pressure from his supporters to take a firm stance—either aligning fully with the President’s reshaped camp or defending Mt Kenya’s claims of marginalization—Nyoro has preferred to stay neutral, perhaps in hopes of preserving his appeal across the political divide.
This strategy, however, has made him vulnerable. Within Ruto’s inner circle, loyalty is not only expected but publicly demonstrated. Nyoro’s muted voice at a time when political realignments are in full swing has made him expendable in the leadership hierarchy.
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“His political brand was built on being outspoken and decisive,” observes political commentator Martha Wanjiku. “But when the moment of reckoning came, his silence was deafening. That’s why he’s been eased out.”
The loss of influence
As chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Nyoro controlled one of the most powerful positions in Parliament, overseeing the national budget and influencing key financial decisions. His removal strips him of this strategic advantage, significantly reducing his leverage within both Parliament and the executive.
Without the chairmanship, Nyoro now faces the difficult task of reasserting his relevance. In a political landscape where perception often translates to power, his dismissal may embolden rivals both within and outside Mount Kenya, eager to take his place as the region’s top political voice.
What next for Nyoro?
Despite this setback, Nyoro’s political ambitions are unlikely to fade. Insiders suggest he is weighing whether to revive his grassroots networks in Murang’a and the wider Mt Kenya region to position himself as a defender of regional interests ahead of the 2027 elections.
There is also speculation that Nyoro may seek to realign himself with other leaders in the disaffected Mt Kenya bloc, perhaps even those sympathetic to Gachagua’s ouster, in a bid to recapture lost political capital.
However, this path is fraught with risks. Rebuilding his political brand will require him to decisively choose a side—a return to being the bold, outspoken leader who once championed Mt. Kenya’s economic empowerment, or a full embrace of Ruto’s new political order.
“Ndindi Nyoro is at a crossroads,” says Murache. “If he continues to sit on the fence, he risks becoming irrelevant. But if he picks a side and fights for it, there’s still a path back to national prominence.”
As the political dust settles, one thing is clear: the coming months will determine whether Nyoro remains a key player in Kenyan politics or fades into the background as just another casualty of shifting allegiances.
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