Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has questioned why he is being singled out for joining the Peoples Party of Kenya (PPK), arguing that several other political parties associated with the Mt Kenya region operate without attracting similar criticism.
Nyoro joined PPK in August in a move that surprised many of his followers and triggered debate over his political intentions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Since then, some politicians have labelled him a State “mole”, with much of the criticism coming from politicians allied to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
However, in an interview with a local vernacular radio station, Nyoro challenged his critics to explain why his choice of party had become controversial when the region has numerous political outfits.
“There are 32 political parties in Mt Kenya region. There are 90 political parties in Kenya. Jimmy Wanjigi’s ancestry [who has a political party] is in Murang’a. There’s Martha Karua who comes from Kirinyaga. There’s Muturi [Justin] with Kibaki’s DP,” he said.
Nyoro noted that PPK was founded by people from Limuru, Kiambu County, questioning why his decision to join a party associated with the region should attract hostility.
“Those who founded and handed us PPK come from Limuru. Where is Limuru located?” he posed.
“Whether I joined DP, PLP or PPK; what’s the difference because these parties come from the same region?”
The Kiharu legislator said his decision was informed by the need for political flexibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the opposition rather than simply joining established parties.
“Personally, I need flexibility, because even if I am joining opposition, there will be a substantive contribution which I will make,” he said.
Nyoro has since aligned himself with Jubilee Party’s Fred Matiang’i and Martha Karua, who leads the Peoples Liberation Party (PLP).
The legislator cited the number of aspirants across the country who, he said, were joining his political vehicle despite the availability of other parties.
“As of now we have over 1,500 aspirants from Homa Bay, Taita Taveta…countrywide,” he said.
He argued that the aspirants would not necessarily have joined the opposition had he opted to join an existing party.
“As a politician, I would have joined the opposition to make my job easier. However, when you make calculations on my contribution, you find its zero,” he said.
“In my thought, people joining me are increasing the opposition’s numbers.”
Nyoro also appealed for tolerance among Mt Kenya politicians, saying his decision to build an independent political base should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine established leaders.
“Most of the politicians having political parties in Mt Kenya are older than me; and I respect them. However, I built a small house, which I must nurture,” he said.
“If we take this as an internal struggle, we shall continue fighting. However, if we take it as just a young man building himself, why would we fight?” he said.
