Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has formally severed ties with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK), marking a major shift in Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Nyoro made the announcement on Monday during a media briefing in Nairobi, declaring that he had joined PPK together with his supporters. He also confirmed that the party would operate within the opposition as political formations prepare for next year’s presidential and parliamentary contests.
“I, Ndindi Nyoro, from today, I have joined a party called People’s Party of Kenya,” Nyoro declared during the briefing.
Break with UDA
Nyoro’s departure from UDA follows months of growing differences with the ruling party and the Kenya Kwanza administration. In July, the Kiharu MP announced that he had already left UDA, saying he was consulting widely before deciding on his next political move.
On Monday, he formally unveiled his new political direction, bringing an end to months of speculation over whether he would establish his own political vehicle or join another opposition formation.
Nyoro said he had spent nearly a year consulting various opposition leaders as he considered the best political path ahead of the 2027 elections. Among those he mentioned were former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Peter Munya, James Orengo, Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang’i.
New political vehicle
The formation of PPK gives Nyoro a political platform from which to build a national campaign ahead of the 2027 polls. He has urged Kenyans to consider the new party alongside other opposition formations as they assess leaders seeking to take over government.
Nyoro also indicated that PPK would work with like-minded political parties and leaders, raising the possibility of broader opposition cooperation ahead of the election.
The former UDA politician said he plans to embark on political tours across the country, including visits to Uasin Gishu, Kericho and Nandi, as he seeks to engage voters on the performance of the current administration and the country’s future.
Presidential ambitions
Nyoro’s decision is expected to intensify speculation about his presidential ambitions in 2027. His establishment of a new political platform gives him an avenue to build a nationwide political profile and potentially position himself for the presidency.
However, while his move clearly places him in the political contest ahead of 2027, reports of Monday’s announcement do not yet establish a formal declaration that he will personally be the PPK presidential candidate. His immediate focus appears to be building the party and working with opposition leaders ahead of the polls.
A significant political realignment
Nyoro’s exit is particularly significant because he was previously one of the prominent political figures associated with President William Ruto’s political camp. He was elected Kiharu MP on a UDA ticket in the 2022 General Election and later served as chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee.
His transition to the opposition therefore represents a notable political realignment less than a year before the 2027 General Election.
With Nyoro now leading PPK and openly engaging with opposition figures, attention will turn to whether the new party will field its own presidential candidate, support a broader opposition coalition, or position Nyoro himself as a contender for State House.
Kenya’s 2027 political contest is consequently gaining another significant player, with PPK expected to play a role in the alliances and negotiations that will shape the race in the months ahead.