Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has rejected accusations that his People’s Party of Kenya is a government project designed to split the Mt Kenya vote and weaken Rigathi Gachagua’s base.
Instead, Nyoro says his new political vehicle is intended to expand the opposition by giving politicians and aspirants who are uncomfortable joining existing parties an alternative platform.
“People’s Party is having a lot of acceptance and goodwill across the country. We are receiving aspirants every day here. This means as more join, they are adding to opposition numbers,” Nyoro said.
He argued the growing number of politicians seeking refuge in PPK, and those defecting from other established parties, demonstrates there was demand for a different political platform.
“The fact that many of these aspirants had not joined a party or have decamped from existing ones is a clear demonstration they were looking for something extra that PPK is offering,” he said.
The argument comes as Nyoro seeks to establish himself as an independent political force after formally abandoning President William Ruto’s ruling UDA and taking PPK into the opposition.
Nyoro announced the move on August 17 after months of speculation over his political future. He said he and his supporters had already disassociated themselves from UDA and declared that PPK was now part of the opposition.
His decision has, however, immediately placed him in a difficult political space.
While Nyoro says he wants to strengthen the opposition, allies of Gachagua have questioned whether his entry is actually intended to fragment the Mt Kenya vote and undermine the ex-DP’s influence in the region.
The accusations have been fuelled by Nyoro’s history as one of Ruto’s most prominent political allies before their relationship deteriorated.
But Nyoro insists his decision to take over PPK was neither sudden nor a scheme engineered by State House.
He said he assumed control of the party in 2024, even before DCP was formed or launched, and that the decision followed extensive consultations and personal reflection.
“Of course, there were various options. There are many parties in Kenya. In Mt Kenya region alone, there are 32 political parties,” he said.
“It was a decision on what platform can I best present myself to the country? And where will my participation in changing this country be more effective?”
Nyoro also said he consulted virtually all the major opposition players before settling on PPK.
Some, he said, initially wanted him to join their own parties.
The consultations included Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya and Fred Matiang’i, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
He reiterated that PPK is not meant to compete with the opposition, but to enlarge it.
The Kiharu legislator has echoed the same messaging in his meet-the-people tours.
His response to attacks from Gachagua’s allies has been deliberately restrained.
Nyoro said political rivalry inevitably produces accusations and counter-accusations, suggesting that some of the criticism was a consequence of competition for political space.
“Sometimes in this rivalry, it so happens that instead of focusing on building your house taller, you focus on demolishing the other person’s house. I have seen that in politics,” he said.
He added that he had anticipated a hostile reaction from some quarters but would not allow PPK to be drawn into confrontation with other opposition parties.
“I would like us to embrace each other, acknowledging that we are in the agenda. If you appreciate my hard work, let it also be used in what we are undertaking,” he said.
The unease in the DCP camp is understandable. Nyoro is building a party that will compete with DCP for the same Mt Kenya political constituency
He, however, dismissed the fears, even as he said he plans to visit Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence after he returns from his US tour.
“I have fair relationships with all opposition leaders, including Gachagua,” Nyoro said on Citizen TV on Wednesday.
But Gachagua’s allies remain deeply suspicious.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa accused Nyoro of being a “coward, mole and double-speaker”.
Thang’wa on Thursday alleged that Nyoro was previously used by Ruto to undermine Gachagua as DP and has challenged him to explain his alleged political and business connections.
“Rigathi Gachagua’s problems started with Ndindi Nyoro. He was the person used by William Ruto to undermine the office of the Deputy President. He was part of the Sky Team, an MP moving across the country, contributing millions.
“I want Ndindi Nyoro to call a press conference today and tell us: Who owns those Kenya Power shares he holds? Are they his or they belong to Ruto?” Thang’wah said on Radio Generation.
The senator has also urged opposition leaders to be wary of admitting Nyoro into their political plans.
