NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 – Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro, has refuted allegations of succession disputes between him and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The matter has been a topic of discussion and speculation within the political landscape of the Mount Kenya region in recent weeks.
Speaking during the unveiling of Kokane Gobo Secondary School in Garsen Constituency, West Pokot County, Nyoro emphasized that leaders from the Mount Kenya region are united in their support for President William Ruto’s administration and are committed to working harmoniously with all leaders within the government.
“We are solidly behind the President of the Republic of Kenya and his government, including the Deputy President. We want this unity to persist within the government, and we respect all leaders,” stated Nyoro, seeking to quell any notions of disunity.
Ndindi Nyoro has emerged as a prominent figure in the region, and some leaders have openly endorsed him as a potential successor to Deputy President Gachagua ahead of the 2027 elections.
These discussions have raised questions about the future leadership dynamics within the Mount Kenya region, and it is within this context that Nyutu’s endorsement and Gachagua’s response must be understood.
While Nyutu and his supporters believe that Nyoro is the candidate who can effectively build alliances across the region, Gachagua and his allies have chosen to distance themselves from this conversation.
Deputy President Gachagua’s declaration that he has one focus – his role as Deputy President – reflects the determination to maintain political unity within the administration and keep the focus on the government’s objectives. It underscores his intent to avoid getting embroiled in any internal succession disputes, reinforcing his commitment to fulfilling his current responsibilities.
These remarks now put to rest speculation about Ndindi’s opinion following the growing calls from a section of Mt. Kenya leaders for Ruto to drop Gachagua for Nyoro in 2027. UDA leaders and close Ruto allies from Central Kenya have openly endorsed the Kiharu MP to replace the DP.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu on Thursday said Ruto stands a better chance at re-election in 2027 if he picks a more popular leader in Mt. Kenya as a running-mate for his re-election bid.
“If you want to win an election, you need to defend a seat, and the running mate should be balanced. I would not want to see the president coming in with a running mate who is not popular. I think there will be challenges with Gachagua, hence Nyoro will be preferred as we are on the ground listening to people,” Nyutu said.
Last week, Kikuyu Council of Elders offered to mediate between the DP and Nyoro, saying external forces could be seeking to undermine Gachagua and create instability in Mt. Kenya.
“We are ready to broker the truce between Gachagua and Ndindi Nyoro, but we would wish to request them to form a singular coalition to unite the community,” national chairman Wachira Kiago said.
On Tuesday, President Ruto termed the premature succession politics an insult to Kenyans and asked the leaders to concentrate on delivering on the assignment given to them by Kenyans.
“I want to ask all leaders, it will be an insult to Kenyans. I ask all leaders to focus attention on the delivery of the assignment given to us by Kenyans especially leaders in Kenya Kwanza and UDA.”
“Starting from me, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to all the leaders, you have given us a chance to work for you. I want to assure you that we shall do the work diligently. It will be a great problem if we do not deliver,” the President said while speaking in Gilgil, Nakuru.
