Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he claimed that President William Ruto gave a Mount Kenya politician KSh200 million to divide the region’s vote ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua made the remarks while criticising efforts to field multiple presidential candidates from Mount Kenya.
“It will not work. Pale Mount Kenya West ametafuta ka-wheelbarrow, chama kidogo. Kijana amepewa pesa, 200 million, sunguka ujaribu kugawa mlima, it’s a waste of time,” Gachagua said.
Although Gachagua did not name Nyoro, his remarks were widely seen as a reference to the Kiharu MP, who recently joined the Peoples Party of Kenya and has been positioning himself as an independent political player ahead of 2027.
Nyoro responded on Monday, September 7, accusing his critics of using coded language to attack him.
“Next time you want to insult Ndindi Nyoro, stop sending people or using coded language; mention me by name. I will face you eye to eye,” he said.
Nyoro also dismissed claims that he was working with Ruto, saying those who wanted to return to the President should do so without involving him.
“Whoever wants to go back to Ruto is free to do so. If you want his money, or to work with him, go back but leave me alone. I have no time to waste,” he added.
The Kiharu MP also pointed to his past relationship with Gachagua, saying he supported his bid to become Ruto’s running mate in 2022.
Nyoro has previously said his relationship with Ruto deteriorated during Gachagua’s impeachment in 2024. He maintained that he did not support the impeachment process, a decision he said further strained his ties with the President.
The latest exchange exposes growing divisions among Mount Kenya leaders as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Gachagua has been pushing for a united opposition and a single presidential candidate to take on Ruto. Nyoro, however, has maintained that Mount Kenya voters should have political choices rather than being directed towards one candidate.
Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has also defended Nyoro, saying Gachagua’s remarks showed his intolerance towards independent-minded politicians.
“As long as you are independent, don’t kneel before him or take his direction; he will call you a mole,” Wambugu said.
The emerging contest between Gachagua and Nyoro could complicate efforts to consolidate the Mount Kenya vote ahead of 2027, with both politicians seeking influence in a region that remains critical to the presidential race.
