Ndindi Nyoro quits UDA, joins Opposition ahead of 2027 election

Kiharu lawmaker Ndindi Nyoro has quit Kenya’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the opposition, in a move that could reshape political alliances ahead of next year’s presidential election.

Nyoro, who was elected on a UDA ticket in the 2022 general election and emerged as a prominent voice in the Kenya Kwanza administration, made the announcement in Nairobi.

With the next general election in August 2027, he said he and his supporters had joined the People’s Party of Kenya after nearly a year of consultations with opposition leaders and other senior political figures in a bid to win and form the next government.

The consultations included former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, former Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya and Fred Matiang’i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

“I have been carrying a heavy burden. I have been thinking and praying that in whatever direction I take, politically speaking, the people of Kenya must be the great consideration,” Nyoro said.

Nyoro said his experience in government had allowed him to assess Kenya’s performance across different sectors and consider what needed to change.

“I have come to appreciate that it is easier to campaign than to govern,” he said.

The lawmaker said he will embark on political tours across the country, with a key focus on Bomet, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Kericho and Nandi among others to engage voters on the government’s record since it was elected in 2022.

He urged Kenyans to consider the People’s Party of Kenya alongside other opposition groups as they weigh candidates for the 2027 election.

Nyoro also criticised UDA, which he referred to as the “wheelbarrow party”, saying he had already distanced himself from the ruling party.

“To be crystal clear, you all know we left government a long time ago and dissociated with the wheelbarrow party,” he said.

Nyoro reiterated that he will work with the opposition parties ahead of the election, saying his new party would seek cooperation with like-minded political formations.

Several opposition figures attended the event, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako and Senator Okong’o Omogeni.

President William Ruto will seek to retain power amid efforts by opposition parties to build a united challenge to his administration.