Meru residents are not impressed by a recent interview by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro on a Meru based TV station. The interview was aired on Sunday (4th February 2024) at around 8pm, targeting the people of Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties.
Interview Agenda
Right from the onset, the TV host clearly communicated the Interview’s agenda:
- Ndindi Nyoro’s political future and his links with the Deputy President’s position in 2027.
- Nyoro’s prudent utilization of CDF funds in his Kiharu Constituency.
Well, Ndindi Nyoro has severally been propped by a few MPs from his backyard as a potential candidate to replace the current Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in President Ruto’s second term.
Although the legislator has craftily distanced himself from these utterances, his subtle campaign is evidently active.
Or why would an MP from Murang’a seek a TV interview to address people in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties? What are his interests in the region?
The second agenda (on the MP’s CDF utilization) specifically concerns the people of Kiharu, not Meru and Tharaka Nithi.
While we appreciate Nyoro’s reported successes in his constituency, we are also alive to the fact that every area has it’s unique challenges and history.
Simply said, his touted achievements in Kiharu Constituency, particularly regarding the utilization of CDF funds, does not concern Meru residents.
Interview Context
It’s important to highlight that the interview follows the President and Deputy’s recent development tour in Meru County, which Hon. Ndindi Nyoro opted to skip. Of course to attend to ‘more important’ matters elsewhere.
The MP has recently attended several rallies in Kenya, hosted by other MPs from several party affiliations, again as part of a subtle 2027 campaign.
No similar invitations have been extended by Meru MPs, potentially prompting the Kiharu MP to utilize a local TV station to reach Meru and Tharaka Nithi audiences.
Obviously, Ndindi Nyoro and other political leaders recognize the strategic importance of Meru and Tharaka Nithi in the mountain and Kenyan politics at large.
Appealing to MPs and Locals
Hon. Nyoro used a significant portion of the interview trying to win the support of Meru and Tharaka Nithi MPs.
His attempts to curry favor with these MPs through superficial gestures of friendship ring hollow in the face of his broader 2027 political agenda.
He praises their efforts, mentioning them by name, and calls them good friends. Really?
Further, to appeal to the locals, the legislator used a significant portion of the interview discussing the President’s recent Meru tour.
The following statements were part of the parting shots in the interview:
TUmefungua miradi mingi hapa Kenya in the last 3 years.
TUmekuwa na upungufu wa fedha, because we over committed.
Wakenya wamekuwa very patient with US, led by the President.
TUnajaribu kuhakikisha miradi zote Kenya zinakamilishwa.
If Ndindi Nyoro speaks for Government as he wants us to believe, he must be aware that we have several pressing issues plaguing the region.
Relegating them to the sidelines, and instead overshadowing them with political maneuvering is an unforgivable sin.
Ndindi Nyoro appears to be a member of that group of leaders who appear in Meru and Tharaka Nithi during campaigns, calling us ‘andu aitu, antu beetu’.
We are simply not impressed. Ndindi Nyoro’s premature subtle campaigns are obviously detached from the immediate concerns of the Meru and Tharaka Nithi people.
The interview was a platform for self-promotion and political grandstanding, and falls short of serving the interests of the Meru people.
The author is a Digital Strategist and SEO Specialist at Innovage Kenya
