‘What’s the Difference?’ Nyoro Defends PPK Move Amid Mt Kenya Criticism

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has pushed back against critics questioning his move to the Peoples Party of Kenya (PPK), asking why political rivals are targeting him when numerous other political parties operating in the Mt. Kenya region face no similar scrutiny.

Speaking during an interview on a local vernacular radio station, the Kiharu lawmaker challenged his detractors to explain why his party choice attracted so much controversy in a region filled with political outfits.

“There are 32 political parties in Mt Kenya region. There are 90 political parties in Kenya. Jimmy Wanjigi’s ancestry [who has a political party] is in Murang’a. There’s Martha Karua, who comes from Kirinyaga. There’s Muturi [Justin] with Kibaki’s DP,” he said.

Addressing questions surrounding the party’s origins, Nyoro pointed out that PPK was established by leaders from Limuru in Kiambu County, questioning why aligning with a regional party should draw hostility.

“Those who founded and handed us PPK come from Limuru. Where is Limuru located?” he posed. “Whether I joined DP, PLP, or PPK; what’s the difference because these parties come from the same region?”

Seeking Flexibility and Building Opposition Numbers

The legislator explained that his choice allowed him tactical flexibility and the chance to deliver a tangible impact within the opposition, rather than simply blending into existing political machinery.

“Personally, I need flexibility, because even if I am joining opposition, there will be a substantive contribution which I will make,” he said.

Nyoro has since formed political alignments with Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i and Peoples Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua.

He highlighted the growing national appeal of his political movement, pointing to the hundreds of political aspirants rallying around PPK across Kenya.

“As of now we have over 1,500 aspirants from Homa Bay, Taita Taveta…countrywide,” he said.

He maintained that these aspirants might not have joined the opposition camp had he simply attached himself to an already established outfit.

“As a politician, I would have joined the opposition to make my job easier. However, when you make calculations on my contribution, you find its zero,” he said. “In my thought, people joining me are increasing the opposition’s numbers.”

A Call for Political Tolerance in Mt. Kenya

Appealing for calm among Mt. Kenya politicians, Nyoro stressed that his efforts to carve out an independent political path should not be viewed as an attempt to undermine senior regional figures.

“Most of the politicians having political parties in Mt Kenya are older than me, and I respect them. However, I built a small house, which I must nurture,” he said.

He urged regional leaders to stop treating his political trajectory as a threat.

“If we take this as an internal struggle, we shall continue fighting. However, if we take it as just a young man building himself, why would we fight?” he said.

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