Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has, for the first time, addressed his silence regarding his political allegiance following his recent removal as chairman of the influential Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Nyoro, who has refrained from openly aligning with either the government or the opposition, was widely expected to clarify his position during a press conference on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Instead, the lawmaker demurred, stating that the timing was not appropriate to reveal his political stance.
“It was important that I call you the way I have done so that the things you’ve been reading, things you have been seeing, I can clarify a few of them and also give my voice on it. And therefore without wanting to be diplomatic, I also know that is what you came for because you knew if it was about politics I would have called you somewhere else and therefore I will only talk about that matter.
“I also know that there are expectations of people on what we should say, when, and how. I get messages every day on what I should do and how I should do it and it is not the appropriate time today for me to talk about those other things. And I am saying it in good faith because that is what we had planned to do,” Ndindi Nyoro said.
Nyoro’s removal earlier this month came amid a sweeping reorganization of parliamentary committees orchestrated by allies of President William Ruto.
The reshuffle targeted associates of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has found himself increasingly sidelined since the Ruto administration began warming to opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Though not publicly aligned with Gachagua, Nyoro was ousted from his committee chairmanship in a move seen by analysts as a reflection of perceived loyalties.
He was replaced by Samuel Atandi, a legislator from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which recently formalized a working arrangement with President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Speaking on his removal, Nyoro expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the committee while maintaining that he was not informed about the reasons behind his ouster.
“I don’t know why I was replaced. I read in newspapers about myself the same way you do,” he said.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee and I wish Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi success in his new role,” he added.
The decision to replace Nyoro with an ODM lawmaker is the latest indication of the shifting political dynamics following the Ruto-Raila memorandum of understanding.
The agreement has led to speculation about the future of Ruto’s erstwhile allies, especially those perceived to have ties to Gachagua.
Despite mounting pressure to declare his political stand, Nyoro remains non-committal.
As political realignments continue to reshape the landscape, Nyoro’s next move is poised to be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.
Martin Oduor
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