Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has formally announced that he has left President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), declaring that he and his supporters had long abandoned the ruling party after concluding that it had failed to deliver on its promises to Kenyans.
Speaking during a public address in Murang’a on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Nyoro said the debate over whether to remain in the ruling party had already been settled and that his focus was now on consulting widely before unveiling his next political direction.
“Huko serikalini, wako na nafasi lakini wameangusha Wakenya. And that is the reason all of us moved away from the governing party,” Nyoro said.
“Na hapa kwetu wote tumeondoka. There is no more person on top of a wheelbarrow or taking a wheelbarrow anywhere here in our place. Even in the entire Kenya, watu wote tumeondokea wheelbarrow na hakuna tashwishi hapo.”
The “wheelbarrow” is the symbol of UDA, the party that swept to power in the 2022 General Election under President Ruto.
Nyoro said the real question was no longer whether he would support UDA but what political vehicle or coalition would best serve Kenyans going forward.
“So the decision we are making is not whether to support the wheelbarrow or not. That decision we made it long time ago.”
Although he confirmed his departure from UDA, Nyoro stopped short of announcing his next political home, insisting he would only make that decision after extensive consultations.
The MP said he would not allow himself to be pressured into making a political choice merely to satisfy public curiosity.
“A leader must never make such an important decision because they are being pushed. Kenyans must be at the centre of every political decision we make,” he said.
Nyoro added that he intends to work with like-minded leaders across the political divide in pursuit of what he described as a better future for the country, while maintaining that the Kenya Kwanza administration had fallen short of the expectations it created during the 2022 campaigns.
Months of growing distance
Nyoro’s announcement formalises a political drift that has been evident for months.
Once regarded as one of President Ruto’s closest allies and among the most influential figures within Kenya Kwanza, the Kiharu legislator has increasingly criticised the government’s performance while avoiding major UDA political events.
His relationship with the ruling coalition visibly cooled after he was removed as chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee earlier this year, with political observers viewing the move as a sign of diminishing influence within the ruling camp.
In recent months, Nyoro has repeatedly argued that leaders must honour the promises they made to Kenyans in 2022, saying the country deserves accountable leadership rather than political rhetoric.
Kang’ata’s exit adds pressure
Nyoro’s departure comes just weeks after Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata also quit UDA before formally joining the opposition-aligned Linda Mwananchi movement.
Kang’ata announced his decision in June, saying he wanted to work with leaders focused on improving governance while maintaining that his move was not directed against the people of Murang’a or President Ruto personally. Days later, he appeared alongside Linda Mwananchi leaders, giving the movement a significant foothold in Murang’a County.
His entry into Linda Mwananchi was viewed as one of the biggest political defections from the ruling party in the Mt Kenya region this year.
Speculation over Nyoro’s next destination
Nyoro’s refusal to immediately declare his next political home has fuelled speculation over where he could land.
Political observers have linked him to several possibilities, including forming his own political outfit, joining an existing party, or aligning himself with the growing opposition movement that has brought together figures such as Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, James Orengo and other leaders under the Linda Mwananchi banner.
The speculation has intensified following Kang’ata’s move, with some supporters urging Nyoro to follow suit. However, the MP has insisted he will only announce after concluding consultations with constituents and other leaders.
Blow to UDA in Mt Kenya
Nyoro’s exit represents another setback for UDA as the party seeks to retain its dominance in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The region overwhelmingly backed President Ruto in the 2022 elections. Still, the political landscape has shifted dramatically following the fallout between the President and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in 2024.
Since then, several leaders from the region have distanced themselves from the ruling party, while opposition formations have intensified efforts to consolidate support in what remains one of Kenya’s most influential voting blocs.
With Nyoro now confirming that he has walked away from UDA, attention is likely to shift to his next political move and whether it will further reshape the balance of power in Mt Kenya as the race to 2027 gathers momentum.
