NAIROBI, Kenya – Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro will on Wednesday, August 19, hold his first political rally since leaving the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joining the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK), with his home county of Murang’a providing the launchpad for his new political campaign.
Nyoro announced on Tuesday that his inaugural “People’s Tour” would be held in Makuyu at 11 a.m., inviting his supporters and residents to attend the event.
“Tomorrow, we will be in Mukuyu; all are welcome. We are African, and Africa is our business,” Nyoro said in a statement.
The rally comes two days after the Kiharu MP formally broke ranks with UDA and announced his decision to join the opposition through the People’s Party of Kenya. The move marked a major shift for a politician who has previously been closely associated with President William Ruto and his administration.
Nyoro said he and his supporters had already distanced themselves from UDA before formally making the break. He has also indicated that his new political formation will work with opposition leaders as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
Nyoro faces scrutiny over new political vehicle
The decision has, however, immediately triggered questions about the political objectives of the new party, particularly in the Mt Kenya region where several formations are seeking to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Jubilee presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i welcomed Nyoro’s move and indicated that he was willing to work with the Kiharu MP.
However, leaders allied to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) have been more critical.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu has accused Nyoro of operating a political vehicle that could ultimately benefit President Ruto and divide the Mt Kenya vote.
Methu described the new party as a “wheelbarrow” and alleged that it was intended to dilute the influence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is seeking to establish the DCP as a dominant political force in the region.
“We saw one that was launched yesterday, and we were waiting for it because we had been told that there was a wheelbarrow from Murang’a; it does not come to us as a surprise,” Methu said.
The senator further claimed that more such political formations could emerge in Laikipia and Nakuru, arguing that voters would reject parties he considers to be affiliated with the government.
Methu maintained that the Mt Kenya electorate would instead rally behind Gachagua, while claiming that President Ruto’s support in the region had fallen to below five per cent.
