Kituyi rules out 2027 bid, outlines opposition’s plan to defeat Ruto

Former trade diplomat Mukhisa Kituyi commented on the political rivalry between Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on September 9, 2026. Kituyi questioned the reason behind the attacks on Nyoro, suggesting that they might be related to territorial control, depending on whether Nyoro is genuinely challenging President William Ruto or not.

He stated, "If Nyoro is a Ruto decoy, he should be campaigning for Ruto." However, if Nyoro opposes Ruto and commits to supporting a joint opposition presidential candidate, the criticism might stem from attempts to gain political territory rather than opposition to Ruto alone. Kituyi's remarks came amidst a growing political feud between Nyoro and Gachagua's supporters.

Nyoro recently challenged Gachagua to face him directly and stop sending allies to attack him. At a meeting of the People's Party on September 7, 2026, Nyoro did not mention Gachagua by name but stated that he had supported the former Deputy President in the 2022 running-mate selection. Nyoro also clarified that he did not participate in the 2024 impeachment process against Gachagua despite their past differences.

Nyoro challenged Gachagua to directly name the People's Party instead of beating around the bush. The dispute has centered on growing differences between Nyoro's People's Party and Gachagua's allies. Nyoro denied claims that he received KSh200 million to undermine Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party in the Mt Kenya region. He stated that the People's Party would work with opposition leaders willing to cooperate, while those unwilling to collaborate should be left alone.

Kituyi's comments introduce an additional interpretation of the conflict, implying that some criticism against Nyoro might be connected to competition over political territory instead of opposition to Ruto alone.