New kids on the block: MPs Ndindi Nyoro, Babu acquire joint party

KIHARU MP Ndindi Nyoro and his Embakasi East counterpart Babu Owino have acquired a new political party for 2027, the Star has learnt.

The Star has established the duo is behind the takeover of the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) as they scheme for what appears like a joint political future.

The two lawmakers, who have consistently been ranked tops for their impressive development records, have been going flat out to build national profiles.

And their disdain for the establishment is clear.

Reached for a comment, Babu denied any links with a new outfit, pledging his continued allegiance to the Raila Odinga-led ODM party, where there has been infighting.

He has been criticised within ODM for his personal political ambitions.

“Nothing like that, I am in ODM,” Babu told the Star on the phone on Thursday.

Nyoro did not respond to several phone calls and text messages.

He has been estranged from President William Ruto and was removed about 10 days ago as chairman of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee.

He abstained from voting in the impeachment case of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, as did Owino.

Records in possession of the Star from the Registrar of Political Parties show a leadership shake-up at PPK, with Nyoro and Babu’s allies listed as the new party officials.

Former party leader Jacob Gitau confirmed the change in leadership to the Star but declined to name the individuals behind it.

“My term ended, and I willingly stepped aside to serve in another capacity. I cannot speak on behalf of the new leadership,” he said.

John Muchoki, now PPK’s national treasurer, is said to be a close ally of Nyoro and works in his office.

In 2022, he contested the Gaturi MCA seat in Kiharu but lost to Gathee Wanjeri. PPK national chairman Mark Odhiambo is said to be Babu’s close associate.

The teaming up of Babu and Nyoro could herald an era of youthful leadership, as the two appear determined to break away from their political godfathers and chart their own paths.

Babu has refused to join the broadbased government with Ruto and Raila and on Thursday alleged a plot to have him arrested on trumped-up graft charges.

Nyoro has also signalled his divorce from President Ruto following his removal as head of the budget committee.

“The state has realised that our popularity has really grown, and thus they want to manage, dwarf this popularity…. I was reliably informed that EACC was to come visit us at our offices at Greenspan Mall,” Babu said.

He emphasised that he had flatly rejected overtures to join government.

Despite their different political backgrounds, the youthful legislators have been working closely and sometimes their political strategies are similar.

In June 2024, the two MPs were at the forefront in condemning divisive politics while advocating for national cohesion. Later that year, they both kept off the impeachment of DP Gachagua.

In recent surveys, the two leaders have been recognised as top-performing legislators by pollsters, including Infotrak survey.

Their growing influence and performance records thus position them as formidable and popular political figures with substantial followings.

Babu has declared interest in replacing Johnson Sakaja as Nairobi governor. Nyoro’s political plans remain unclear but the PPK is a sign of big ambition.

Other officials of the political outfit under new ownership are Kenneth Maina, who is the national vice chairman, John Kihiu the secretary general, while Beth Wanjiru heads legal affairs.

Peter Mwangi is chairman of the National Elections Board. Attempts to get comment from former secretary general John Kihiu were unsuccessful, as he said he was attending a funeral.

“I’m currently attending a funeral service and I will get back to you,” Kihiu said.

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP David ole Sankok through his social media pages fuelled speculation that Nyoro and Babu were embarking on a political venture.

“Ndindi Nyoro and Babu Owino, the political tsunami duo,” he posted, fuelling hundreds of comments.

During an interview with KBC TV on Tuesday, Sankok also said he had met the two leaders to discuss the future of Kenyan politics.

“Yes, I met with Babu Owino and Ndindi Nyoro in my capacity as MP of the East Africa Legislative Assembly. Both are Kenyans with remarkable, admirable and progressive leadership qualities. I see a bright political future for both of them,” he said.

He said Nyoro and Babu are doing well politically and they should be supported, irrespective of their tribes. Political analyst Macharia Munene during an interview with the Star said Nyoro’s recent press conference fell short of Mt Kenya’s expectations.

He declined to discuss his plans and said he was bewildered by his removal from budget chairman.

Munene said the region had expected Nyoro to declare his political stand as many Mt Kenya voters are torn between Ruto and his former deputy Gachagua.

“The region had viewed him as a younger Matiba, but everything has changed, and he will have a tall order [to satisfy the region],” Munene said.

The analyst emphasised that Mt Kenya is set to witness a surge in political activities ahead of 2027, mirroring strategies used by former President Daniel arap Moi.

Analyst Charles Mwangi, a JKUAT lecturer, said the formation or takeover of a political party is often a strategic move by politicians seeking a bargaining chip in coalition negotiations.

“Both Nyoro and Babu are looking at their future beyond Ruto and Raila. Controlling a party gives them leverage in political negotiations, whether for coalition-building or running independently,” he said.

Mwangi said the Mt Kenya region is experiencing a significant surge in the registration of new political parties.

He observed the trend is driven by the strategic desire of local leaders to leverage these parties as bargaining chips in future coalition governments.

“Almost every governor and senior official in the Mt Kenya region now owns or is associated with a political party, mirroring the tactics used during the 2022 elections,” he said.

The formation or takeover of political parties is often a calculated move by ambitious leaders to enhance their national influence.