-
The debate has gained momentum with Nyoro receiving a major endorsement from Ruto’s backyard as he positions himself for this 'higher political seat.'
-
While he has not publicly stated the seat he is eyeing, there are rumours he is either being groomed or plotting to topple Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Mt Kenya and possibly succeed Ruto in 2032.
Image: HANDOUT
A fresh push by a section of Mt Kenya MPs to back Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro as a possible 2027 running mate could throw the race wide open.
Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua is seen as the frontrunner having helped Ruto romp to victory in the 2022 general election.
Central Kenya is one of the vote-rich zones in the country that voted for Ruto to be the last man with Gachagua who has the face of the region now being targeted.
While he remains the man to beat, there are calls to have Ruto pick Nyoro as the new deputy in 2027.
The debate has gained momentum with Nyoro receiving a major endorsement from Ruto’s backyard as he positions himself for this 'higher political seat.'
While he has not publicly stated the seat he is eyeing, there are rumours he is either being groomed or plotting to topple Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Mt Kenya and possibly succeed Ruto in 2032.
In what might split the Kenya Kwanza camp, a section of MPs allied to Ruto vowed Saturday to rally behind Nyoro in his ambitions.
The MPs who were attending the burial ceremony of the late Joseph Langat, the father of Soin Sigowet MP Justice Kemei in Kericho acknowledged that Nyoro has been loyal to Ruto.
One after the other, the MPs also heaped praises on the MP noting he is a performer.
Kipkelion West MP Hillary Koskei who started the debate said they recognise his role in government and Parliament particularly in the budget process.
Nyoro is the Budget and Appropriations Committee chairperson.
“Asante kwa kukuja, wakenya wa kutoka upande huu wanajua ile investment umeweka kwa serikali ya Ruto na uko na heshima kubwa sana, hawa watu si wa kusahau hapo mbele tutakuombea,” he noted.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech urged him to continue traversing the country popularizing himself the same way he did with President Ruto during the 2022 campaigns.
“Tukifika hapo mbele na tuone uko sawa, what is the problem...watu ni wale wale, wenye waliombea Ruto wataangalia maneno yako,” he said.
Konoin MP Brighton Yegon voiced similar sentiments saying Nyoro’s development record speaks volumes as he thanked him for standing with Ruto during the last election.
“We have been to your constituency and we have seen what you have done... I recently heard an ODM MP talking about 2027 and I want to tell him that Raila should wait, I don't know for what long but until Nyoro becomes the president first... I don't know the year,” he added.
Nyoro who attended the event passed a condolence message from Ruto to the family of MP Kemei adding that as leaders from Mt Kenya, they offer unconditional support to the President.
Image: HANDOUT
Others present were Governors Erick Mutai (Kericho), Hillary Barchok (Bomet), Senate majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Francis Sigei (Sotik), Benjamin Langata (Ainamoi), Hillary Koskei (Kipkelion west) and Kericho woman representative Beatrice Kemei.
On his part, Emurua Dikir MP Johana Ngeno said no leader should be curtailed from making any political advancement.
“There is no problem with planning so let us allow Ndindi to organize himself and also allow those in our region to do so,” he remarked.
Ngeno also gave an indication that he is eyeing a bigger position in 2032 once Ruto and Gachagua complete their term.
“In 2027, our leaders (Ruto and Gachagua) will be there but in 2032 no one knows, I might also be there and I may put this young man (Nyoro) on my back so please protect him, when you see him around give him water to drink,” he added.
The remarks by the leaders come in the wake of a pronouncement by a group of Murang’a leaders endorsed Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro to serve as Ruto’s deputy in the 2027 general election.
Spearheaded by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, the leaders contend that Ruto's prospects for re-election could face challenges if Gachagua is maintained as his deputy.
Senator Nyutu highlighted the importance of Murang’a’s recognition in national politics, advocating for Ndindi Nyoro as a preferable choice over Gachagua.
"We will request Ruto to choose a young person from Murang’a who is Ndindi Nyoro," Nyutu stated.
Highlighting the need for fairness and accountability, Nyutu insisted that the nomination process for the 2027 election should be impartial, without special privileges for any individual.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu further emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of Murang’a's mothers, advocating for the selection of a youthful candidate like Ndindi Nyoro.