The once-close political relationship between President William Ruto and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro appears to be facing turbulence, following a series of recent events that suggest growing tension.
From public silence to skipped official functions and shifts in parliamentary roles, the signs point to a potential rift in what was once seen as a strong alliance at the heart of the Kenya Kwanza government.
This article examines the key developments fuelling speculation about a possible fallout between the two leaders.
Ruto-Nyoro Close Relationship
Ahead of Kenya's 2022 general election, President William Ruto and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro shared a notably close political alliance. Nyoro emerged as one of Ruto’s most vocal supporters and played a key role in his campaign.
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His name was even floated as a potential running mate before the slot was given to Rigathi Gachagua.
After the election, Nyoro continued to maintain his influence within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, securing the position of chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, a crucial post responsible for overseeing the government's fiscal agenda.
His appointment further solidified his standing as a core member of Ruto's inner circle. Nyoro was a visible presence at state functions and played an active role in supporting the government's economic plans. His leadership of the powerful budget committee reinforced the perception of him as a trusted confidant during the early months of the new administration.
Nyoro Missing in Action
However, in late 2024, Nyoro’s political visibility began to decline, particularly during the impeachment proceedings of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Despite his previous prominence, Nyoro remained conspicuously absent from the impeachment debate and did not comment on the matter, actions that starkly contrasted with his earlier involvement in government affairs.
Nyoro reduced his public engagements and was notably absent from key events attended by both President Ruto and Gachagua, further fuelling speculation about his role and influence within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
After Gachagua's impeachment, a series of political changes unfolded, which appeared to strain relations further between Nyoro and President Ruto.
Replacement as Budget Committee Chair
In March 2025, Nyoro was removed from his influential role as chair of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee.
This move occurred amid a broader reshuffle in Parliament, where several MPs aligned with the former deputy president lost key leadership positions.
The changes coincided with a new working arrangement between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, leading to several opposition MPs assuming prominent committee roles. The reshuffle added to growing questions about Nyoro’s political standing within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Nyoro Presser on Replacement as Budget Committee Chair
Following his removal, Nyoro held a press conference where he expressed surprise at the decision, revealing that he had not been consulted by any coalition leaders. He said he had learned about his removal through media reports.
Nyoro also disclosed that he had not communicated with President Ruto since October 2024, further intensifying speculation about a rift between the two. “I have not spoken to the President since October 2024,” Nyoro stated.
While some viewed his absence from the impeachment proceedings and his removal as signs of growing distance from the president, Nyoro insisted that he held no ill will, emphasising that setbacks should not lead to negativity. He refrained from commenting on his future political plans during the presser.
Nyoro's Event Boycotted
On 19th March 2025, Nyoro launched a new Assistant County Commissioner’s office in Murang’a County, funded by the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The event, which was expected to be attended by local government and security officials, saw a notable absence of key figures such as the County Commissioner, Assistant County Commissioners, chiefs, and police officers.
Allegedly, these officials had been instructed not to attend, further fuelling speculation about tensions between Nyoro and the government.
Addressing the absence after the event, Nyoro reaffirmed his commitment to development and serving the people of Kiharu, stressing that his focus remained on progress, irrespective of political or personal differences.
Nyoro Remarks on the Economy
During the launch of the 2025-2026 shadow budget by the Institute of Public Finance, Nyoro expressed grave concerns about Kenya's growing national debt, warning, “We are almost at a cliff in terms of debt repayment… you cannot tinker figures for too long, it catches up with you when it is time for repayment.”
He also criticised the government’s handling of debt, particularly the recent celebrations over repaying the 2014 Eurobond loan. Nyoro argued that replacing low-interest debt with higher-interest loans would worsen the financial situation. He also speculated that President Ruto’s upcoming visit to China would be focused on securing more loans.
In response, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi criticised Nyoro's remarks, calling them "irresponsible" and potentially panic-inducing. He remarked, “It is an irresponsible statement; it can cause panic and should not come from someone who chaired the Budget and Appropriations Committee,” while reassuring the public that Kenya’s financial challenges were related to liquidity rather than a debt sustainability issue.
Although President Ruto has emphasised that Nyoro’s removal was a decision made by parliamentary leadership and that he continues to mentor the youthful MP, recent developments suggest a shift in their relationship. Given their once-close alliance, the current tensions are drawing significant attention. Kenyans are closely monitoring the situation to see how it will unfold in the coming days.
