Ndindi Nyoro: The quiet unraveling of rising star

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has come under intense criticism for missing three major votes in the National Assembly: the Finance Bill 2025, the Finance Bill 2026 and the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024.

Once celebrated as a charismatic and visionary leader who commanded strong public support for his bold political positions, Nyoro has seen his image shift dramatically.

Analysts point to his perceived inconsistency and reluctance to take firm stands at decisive moments as the main reasons for his declining popularity.Critics argue that his repeated absence during these critical votes has cast doubt on the sincerity of his frequent public attacks on President William Ruto’s economic policies.

His substantial shareholdings in Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and recent investments in Kenya Airways (KQ) at the Nairobi Securities Exchange have also triggered mixed reactions. While some commend him as a successful investor, others question whether his former position as Chair of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee gave him undue insider advantage in a sector heavily influenced by government policy.

Nyoro has consistently defended his wealth, insisting that his investments are the result of long-term strategies that began during his university days.

Before his fallout with President Ruto, Nyoro was one of the President’s most trusted allies. He frequently accompanied Ruto on chopper trips and visits to private farms and was known for his fierce criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In early 2024, he represented the President at numerous fundraisers across the country, a role that reportedly created tension between Ruto and then-Deputy President Gachagua. During this period, Nyoro was highly visible, often moving with a large entourage of over 20 MPs as he disbursed funds at churches and education events nationwide.

He promoted national unity and equitable development, visiting regions such as Uasin Gishu, Embu, Laikipia, Garissa, and Bungoma, while openly opposing Gachagua’s push for the “one man, one vote, one shilling” revenue-sharing formula.

In one notable address in Kabete in February 2024, Nyoro declared: “We are doing everything to ensure that every part of this country feels the development projects that are entrenched by our government… No part of the country will be left behind.”

Politically motivated

During the impeachment of Gachagua, Nyoro was absent from the National Assembly. He later explained that he viewed the process as politically motivated to settle personal scores rather than a matter of principle, stating he had communicated his position to his colleagues and chose not to participate.

He was similarly absent during the Finance Bill 2025 vote. For the 2026 Finance Bill, despite his opposition in the media, he was once again out of the country, citing unavoidable international engagements.In his explanation, Nyoro said: “The vote for the Finance Bill happened yesterday; disappointingly, I was not in Parliament. I traveled out of the country on Wednesday evening for engagements that could not have been postponed.”

He acknowledged public disappointment and highlighted his continued oversight through media engagements and economic analysis on issues such as school fees, sale of Safaricom shares and fuel prices.

However, his critics have rejected these justifications, describing the absences as a recurring and convenient pattern.

Lawyer Willis Otieno remarked: “It is becoming a recurring pattern that whenever Parliament is confronted with consequential votes that directly affect the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans, you are conveniently outside the country.”

Murang’a political observer Maina Kerick warned that Nyoro was gambling with the public trust he still enjoys and urged him to take a clear political stand.

Policy researcher Dr. Charles Ngumi offered a more strategic interpretation, suggesting Nyoro’s studied neutrality could be part of a calculated plan. He expressed fears that the President might be grooming the Kiharu MP as a “trooper horse” to split the Mt Kenya vote in the 2027 general election. 

“The MP’s neutrality is speaking volumes... this has raised pertinent questions whether he is working secretly with the Kenya Kwanza administration,” Ngumi opined.

Interestingly, in April 2025, President Ruto himself addressed the evolving relationship during a visit to the Mt Kenya region. He described Nyoro as one of the promising young politicians he was mentoring, saying, “Leave Ndindi Nyoro to me... I have a plan for him.”

Five months later, Nyoro pushed back strongly, revealing that he had not spoken with the President for nearly six months. He suggested Ruto’s comments came at a time when he was facing political hounding and appeared designed to benefit from his challenges.

As Kenya’s political landscape heats up toward 2027, Nyoro finds himself at a crossroads. The once-rising star must now navigate questions about consistency, loyalty and decisive leadership. Whether he can rebuild the broad appeal he once enjoyed or will be defined by these absences remains to be seen. For now, the Kiharu MP continues to defend his record while facing mounting pressure to clarify his political direction.