Gachagua Impeachment Was a Costly Error, Says Ndindi Nyoro

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has emerged as a significant figure in Mt Kenya politics following the October 2024 impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

Once seen as a staunch ally of President William Ruto, Nyoro has become an outspoken critic of recent political developments in the region. In a televised interview this week, Nyoro condemned the impeachment of Gachagua as a “political miscalculation” that overlooked the long-term impact on national unity and regional sentiment. 

He argued that the motion, led by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, was driven more by personal vendettas than genuine ideological differences, and warned that its consequences had been inadequately assessed. Nyoro's decision to speak out against the impeachment comes after months of speculation about his position within Ruto's administration. 

His silence during Gachagua’s ousting had led some to believe that he might have supported the move. However, his recent remarks signal a growing distance from the president's inner circle, despite earlier rumours that he could be groomed as Gachagua’s successor in the region.

Nyoro's political trajectory has been marked by both rapid rise and significant setbacks. After President Ruto's election in 2022, Nyoro’s influence surged, with some suggesting that he could be a key figure in Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.

However, as political alliances shifted, some of his early supporters, like Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, have aligned themselves with Gachagua, illustrating the fluidity of political loyalties in Mt Kenya. Although President Ruto has praised Nyoro's potential, their relationship remains unclear. 

Nyoro himself has denied any formal political pact with the president, although he continues to back Ruto’s re-election campaign. In recent months, Nyoro has become increasingly critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration, particularly over economic policies. 

His removal from the influential Budget and Appropriations Committee and reassignment to the less prominent Diaspora and Immigrant Workers Committee has further diminished his influence within government. This uncertainty has led to calls from Gachagua for Nyoro to publicly declare his political allegiance. 

The former deputy president has warned that Nyoro’s silence on key issues is no longer acceptable. Political analysts suggest that Nyoro’s reluctance to take a firm stance may be a strategic move to maintain flexibility ahead of the 2027 elections, when Mt Kenya’s vote is expected to be highly contested.

Reports indicate that Nyoro is consolidating his base in Kiharu and working with a regional governor to take control of a political party, signalling his intent to remain politically relevant. His recent statements in favour of Gachagua and his alignment with the United Opposition have raised his profile, though analysts caution that Mt Kenya voters have historically punished leaders who misjudge the political mood.