Ndindi Nyoro’s Fall: From Ruto’s Inner Circle to Political Castaway.
Not long ago, Ndindi Nyoro was hailed as the rising star of President William Ruto’s political camp. Touted as a potential Deputy President in 2027 and a key figure in the ruling party, his influence seemed unstoppable. However, in a dramatic turn of events, he now finds himself teetering on the edge of political oblivion. His sudden removal as Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee has fueled speculation about his standing within the administration.
The Power Play Behind Nyoro’s Ouster
Nyoro’s removal was orchestrated by National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro under the pretext of promoting fairness, inclusivity, and a national outlook. He emphasized that the restructuring of committee leadership was based on political affiliations, gender, and regional balance. With over 90 members expressing interest in the Budget and Appropriations Committee despite its 27-member cap, Osoro stated that careful balancing was necessary.
However, in the high-stakes realm of Kenyan politics, such justifications often mask deeper maneuvers. Political insiders suggest that this move was a calculated purge targeting individuals perceived to be aligning with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose presence in State House reportedly unsettles some within the administration.
More Than Just Nyoro: A Systematic Purge?
Nyoro was not the only casualty in this restructuring. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, another perceived Gachagua ally, also lost her position as Chairperson of the Constitutional Oversight and Implementation Committee. She was reassigned to the less influential Members’ Services Committee. This has raised eyebrows among political observers who see it as a deliberate move against legislators allied with Gachagua.
Leaders from the Mount Kenya region, particularly those aligned with Gachagua, have voiced concerns over what they see as an unfair targeting of their representatives. They argue that committee leadership positions previously held by Mount Kenya lawmakers have been handed over to individuals from other regions. The Chairperson of the Lands Committee, previously held by the Nyandarua Senator, was given to the Mombasa Senator from the opposition ODM party. Similarly, the Chairperson of the Transport Committee, once held by the Kiambu Senator, was reassigned to the Migori Senator.
The Turning Point: Finance Bill and Impeachment Vote
Nyoro’s political troubles can be traced back to his stance on the Finance Bill 2024. While expected to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to President Ruto, he instead chose to remain absent during the vote. Though his absence initially went unnoticed, it became a matter of concern when he was again missing in action during Gachagua’s impeachment vote. This raised suspicions about where his true loyalties lay.
For Ruto’s inner circle, Nyoro’s absence was seen as more than just a scheduling conflict—it was interpreted as an act of defiance. The conclusion drawn was that he had switched allegiance from being a staunch Ruto supporter to a silent sympathizer of Gachagua’s growing rebellion. This shift did not sit well with party loyalists, leading to calls for his resignation from key parliamentary positions.
A Dramatic Shift in Political Fortunes
Once regarded as a natural political heir to Ruto, Nyoro now finds himself sidelined. His removal from the Budget and Appropriations Committee leadership has only strengthened speculation that the government has intelligence on his shifting political stance. Pro-Gachagua leaders have warned Ruto and the UDA party against marginalizing those perceived to be dissenting voices. They argue that not everyone from Mount Kenya supported Gachagua and that loyalists from the region should still be considered for leadership roles.
Critics argue that the current purge is not just about individual loyalty but a broader strategy to consolidate power within Ruto’s inner circle. Those appointed to replace Nyoro and other ousted leaders are widely regarded as staunch Ruto loyalists, whose political survival depends on unwavering support for the President.
ReadAlso: Raila Finally Breaks Silence on Matiang’i’s 2027 Presidential Plans
What’s Next for Nyoro?
For now, Nyoro remains a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, though a new chairperson is set to be elected in seven days. However, in Kenyan politics, a week is an eternity, and the shifting political landscape leaves his future uncertain. The winds of power are changing rapidly, and only time will tell if Nyoro will find his way back into favor or be relegated to political obscurity.
Ndindi Nyoro’s Fall: From Ruto’s Inner Circle to Political Castaway.
