Their joint appearance in Murang’a — Nyoro’s backyard — last Saturday has intensified speculation about a possible political partnership between People's Party and Jubilee Party.
This has pushed the allies of DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua to contain what they see as a new challenge to his influence.
Nyoro and Matiang'i attended a Seventh-Day Adventist Church service in Kangema before appearing together at a rally in Kenol.
“I am ready once again to come in work so that our country can move forward. And when I come in, I want to come in together with my brothers. First, starting with Ndindi,” Matiang’i said.
While neither announced a formal agreement, their language was telling.
Matiang'i described himself and Nyoro as being “of one accord”, saying they wanted to work with other opposition leaders to unite against national challenges.
“There has never been a time in the life of our nation that we have needed unity of purpose, patriotism, love for one another, inclusion and focus like we do now,” he said.
“To you Ndindi, I have come here, near your home and to your elders, to ask that we walk together. Or what do you [congregants] think? … We will also invite Ndindi to come to our church.”
Speaking figuratively about converting Nyoro as an Adventist, Matiang’i indicated an arrangement to continue a unique working arrangement.
Political activist Nyambura Muthoni, who is allied to Matiang’i, said after Murang’a the duo will be visiting Kiambu and later Kisii.
Nyoro, who spoke briefly, asked the congregation of what they thought of them working together.
“Do you want us to join hands and work for you? Pray for us”.
The appearance came only days after Nyoro was embroiled in a bitter exchange with Gachagua over his new political outfit.
Speaking in the US, Gachagua accused an unnamed youthful Mt Kenya politician of receiving Sh200 million to establish a political vehicle intended to fragment the region.
The remarks were widely interpreted as referring to Nyoro.
He subsequently challenged Gachagua to address him directly.
Matiang’i appeared to back Nyoro, calling for mutual respect in the opposition.
“We as leaders are facing a lot. Insults, sometimes push and pull and we risk disintegrating,” he said.
“I am happy to be here with my brother Ndindi because we are in one accord to work together in the United Opposition and Linda Mwananchi to unite and move forward.
“We need to pool together all our energies and efforts without any discordant voices and insulting each other, criticising each other. Let’s focus”.
Former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura, who attended the Kangema service, described the meeting as “big news nationally”, saying the two leaders were united in discussing the country's political future.
“Their sitting together away from Nairobi and discussing the destiny of the nation demonstrates unity of purpose,” he said.
Gitura also drew parallels between Nyoro's ambitions and those of Kenneth Matiba, suggesting the legislator was beginning to establish himself as a significant political player.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, a Gachagua ally, warned against what she portrayed as possible political orchestration.
“There are times when conversations appear spontaneous until you notice key patterns that scream government machinery,” she said.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, another ally, alleged that President William Ruto had sought to use Nyoro to divide Mt Kenya.
She said Ruto had previously cultivated Nyoro as a potential future DP and was now again seeking to use him as a political tool.
“Ndindi is coming too late. And when he came, he started with economic jargon. He never speaks about the youth who were killed?” Kihara said.
She added: “I am not fighting PPK. It is only that I don’t see Ndindi through and through. Maybe he knows or doesn’t, but Ruto is using him.”
It is against this backdrop that the Nyoro-Matiang'i political moves are attracting attention and mistrust.
Gachagua's allies have expressed reservations about Matiang'i's role in coalition talks.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa has told Gachagua that if he wants to discuss a deal with Jubilee, he should deal with party leader Uhuru Kenyatta — who has since said he will step down — rather than Matiang'i.
“In Jubilee, Gachagua, if you want to talk with someone, talk to Uhuru Kenyatta. He is the party leader,” Karungo said, adding that DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala should deal with Matiang'i.
Political commentator Isaac Ngugi, however, said the developments around Nyoro suggest attempts to isolate him in the opposition are unlikely to succeed.
He noted that opposition leaders had either embraced Nyoro or refrained from publicly attacking him.
“There is someone who wilI be left attacking Nyoro alone,” Ngugi said.
“He has so far received support or political accommodation from leaders including Martha Karua, Mukhisa Kituyi and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.”
Ngugi also pointed to Nyoro's reception in Ukambani and Western Kenya, as well as the decision by Siaya Governor James Orengo to appear as chief guest at PPK’s launch.
Matiang’i had also signalled his willingness to work with Nyoro shortly after the PPK launch, congratulating him on the new party and saying: “I look forward to engaging and collaborating with your party as we strengthen our determination to win next year’s General Election.”
