Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has claimed that the political fallout between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua can be traced back to the growing influence of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. Speaking during a radio interview, Thang’wa alleged that Nyoro was used to challenge Gachagua’s authority while he was still Deputy President.
Highlights
- Thang’wa linked Gachagua’s political troubles to Ndindi Nyoro.
- He alleged that Nyoro was used to weaken the Deputy President’s office.
- The senator questioned Nyoro’s growing national political profile.
- Thang’wa said some Kenya Kwanza MPs initially opposed Gachagua’s selection.
- The claims come amid renewed political exchanges between Nyoro and Gachagua allies.
Main Story
Thang’wa Links Gachagua’s Fallout to Nyoro
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has made fresh claims about the political events that eventually led to the fallout between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Thang’wa claimed that the problems surrounding Gachagua began with the growing role of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
The senator alleged that Nyoro was being positioned as an alternative political centre within the Kenya Kwanza administration while Gachagua was serving as Deputy President.
Thang’wa said Nyoro was allegedly used to undermine the authority of the Deputy President, though he did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the claim.
Claims Over Gachagua’s 2022 Selection
Thang’wa also revisited the decision by Ruto to select Gachagua as his running mate ahead of the 2022 General Election.
According to the senator, Ruto viewed Gachagua’s inclusion on the ticket as politically useful in securing victory.
Thang’wa nevertheless claimed that some MPs within the Kenya Kwanza coalition were unhappy with the choice.
He argued that despite individual politicians having reservations about Gachagua, voters ultimately elected the two leaders on the same presidential ticket.
The debate over how Gachagua secured the running-mate position has continued. In September 2026, Nyoro himself gave an account of the process, saying a meeting of Mount Kenya leaders eventually produced Gachagua as Ruto’s running mate after a lengthy selection process.
Thang’wa Questions Nyoro’s Growing Influence
The Kiambu senator further questioned why Nyoro, then a sitting MP representing Kiharu, had become increasingly involved in political activities outside his constituency.
Thang’wa referred to Nyoro’s association with what he called the “Sky Team” and suggested that his growing visibility was part of a wider effort to establish another influential political network within the administration.
These remain Thang’wa’s political assertions and have not been independently established as fact.
Political Relationship Has Since Changed
The latest claims come against the backdrop of a significant shift in relations among Ruto, Gachagua and Nyoro.
Gachagua’s relationship with Ruto deteriorated during their time in government, eventually culminating in his impeachment and removal from the Deputy Presidency in October 2024.
Nyoro has also since fallen out with Ruto. In September 2026, he discussed the deterioration of his relationship with the President and linked the strain partly to disagreements surrounding Gachagua’s impeachment.
Nyoro has subsequently taken charge of the People’s Party of Kenya and positioned himself within the opposition political space.
The changing alliances have also triggered a public exchange between Nyoro and Gachagua’s political allies. Nyoro recently challenged Gachagua to confront him directly rather than allegedly sending political allies to criticise him.
Fresh Political Battle
Thang’wa’s remarks add another layer to the growing debate over the political relationships that shaped the Kenya Kwanza administration after the 2022 election.
With former allies now operating in different political camps, the roles played by Ruto, Gachagua and Nyoro continue to attract competing accounts from politicians involved in the events.
For now, Thang’wa’s claims remain his own interpretation of the political developments surrounding Gachagua’s tenure and subsequent removal from office.
Kenya’s shifting political alliances continue to rewrite old friendships, with former allies now offering very different accounts of how the power struggles began.
