The anticipated clash between Kiharu Member of Parliament (MP) Ndindi Nyoro and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for the political control of Mt Kenya has turned out to be a short-lived spectacle, sparking only rumours and speculation.
It is unclear whether Nyoro’s unwavering loyalty to President William Ruto and Gachagua was a strategic warning to the Deputy President or a poorly timed coup attempt that lacked sufficient support. The two engaged in a brief confrontation for just two weeks, during which Nyoro’s supporters, including Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, made sensational demands for Ruto to replace Gachagua in 2027 and appoint Nyoro as his successor in 2032. However, it seems that the planners behind Nyoro’s agenda underestimated Gachagua’s ability to fight back.
Gachagua skillfully redirected the attack towards the State House by publicly refusing to engage in a public quarrel with his adversaries. In a surprising move by the Nyoro camp, a powerful hidden force played a role, more than a year and a half after the last election. This could have posed a significant risk for the President, as losing support from a region that strongly backed him in 2022 could lead to years of instability before the next elections. However, it seems that Mr. Nyoro’s change of stance will only bring about a temporary calm, as the power struggles continue in various forms.
Former Gatanga MP, Nduati Ngugi, who was defeated by Mr. Muriu, reveals that he was approached by certain individuals who promised unwavering support in launching campaigns against the current MP for his opposition to the Deputy President. “I declined,” he states, “because I respect the people of Gatanga, and I will only seek their mandate when the elections come.” Mr. Ngugi also acknowledges that former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure made him aware of the dangers of challenging wealth and power directly, and he believes that this is what Gachagua has unleashed to confront the Nyoro challenge.
Mr Nyoro’s allies have agreed that they are unable to handle the intense pressure and decided to step back. Mr. Nyutu adds that both camps are united under President Ruto. After Mr Nyoro maintained a calm silence while his political allies closed in on Gachagua, he suddenly spoke out on Friday while in Tana River, appearing subdued and somewhat agitated. This followed strong statements in recent days by President Ruto and Mr Gachagua while in Rift Valley and Mt Kenya regions where they called for an end to the early campaigns.
What did greenhorn Nyoro…
What did greenhorn Nyoro expect? Did he seriously think things over before telling his fellow greenhorns to launch the attack, financed by a defeated former president? This former president feels that if he can’t own the Wakikuyu then they must be destroyed or broken up, and he has a lot of moral backing from you know where.