The growing political closeness between Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Jubilee presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i is unsettling the Mt Kenya opposition landscape. Their joint appearance in Murang’a — Nyoro’s backyard — last Saturday has intensified speculation about a possible political partnership between People's Party and Jubilee Party. This has pushed the allies of DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua to contain what they see as a new challenge to his influence.
Nyoro and Matiang'i attended a Seventh-Day Adventist Church service in Kangema before appearing together at a rally in Kenol. Matiang’i described himself and Nyoro as being “of one accord”, saying they wanted to work with other opposition leaders to unite against national challenges. He also indicated an arrangement to continue a unique working arrangement, figuratively talking about converting Nyoro as an Adventist.
The appearance came only days after Nyoro was embroiled in a bitter exchange with Gachagua over his new political outfit. Speaking in the US, Gachagua accused an unnamed youthful Mt Kenya politician of receiving Sh200 million to establish a political vehicle intended to fragment the region. The remarks were widely interpreted as referring to Nyoro. He subsequently challenged Gachagua to address him directly.
Matiang’i appeared to back Nyoro, calling for mutual respect in the opposition. He emphasized the need for unity, saying, “We as leaders are facing a lot. Insults, sometimes push and pull and we risk disintegrating.” Matiang’i also signalled his willingness to work with Nyoro shortly after the launch of Nyoro's new party, PPK.
Political activist Nyambura Muthoni, who is allied to Matiang’i, said after Murang’a the duo will be visiting Kiambu and later Kisii. Former Murang’a Senator Kembi Gitura, who attended the Kangema service, described the meeting as “big news nationally”, saying the two leaders were united in discussing the country's political future.
However, some allies of Gachagua have expressed reservations about Matiang'i's role in coalition talks. Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa has told Gachagua that if he wants to discuss a deal with Jubilee, he should deal with party leader Uhuru Kenyatta rather than Matiang'i. Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, a Gachagua ally, warned against what she portrayed as possible political orchestration.
Despite the reservations, political commentator Isaac Ngugi said the developments around Nyoro suggest attempts to isolate him in the opposition are unlikely to succeed. He noted that opposition leaders had either embraced Nyoro or refrained from publicly attacking him. Ngugi also pointed to Nyoro's reception in Ukambani and Western Kenya, as well as the decision by Siaya Governor James Orengo to appear as chief guest at PPK’s launch.
Key points
- The growing closeness between Ndindi Nyoro and Fred Matiang’i has intensified speculation about a possible political partnership between People's Party and Jubilee Party.
- The joint appearance of Nyoro and Matiang'i in Murang’a has pushed the allies of DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua to contain what they see as a new challenge to his influence.
- Some allies of Gachagua have expressed reservations about Matiang'i's role in coalition talks.
