My problem with the Ruto administration: MP Ndindi Nyoro speaks

Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has opened up about his political fallout with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying the party strayed from the promises it made to Kenyans.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s JKLive show on Wednesday night, Nyoro accused the government of deviating from the economic philosophy it campaigned on, arguing that the country is now engaging in the very practices it vowed to avoid.

The outspoken MP, who in the recent past has been vocal on the rising cost of living, fingered the government for neglecting the cries of Kenyans, saying his main issue with the President William Ruto-led administration was due to the current poor state of the economy.

When asked why he deviated from the UDA party, he responded: “I think that is a question best directed to the party, because I believe it is the party that deviated. When we were campaigning, I made it clear that I wanted to come here to sell our agenda. The party holds responsibility for shifting from what we promised.”

“I have spoken on several issues, but the key one is the economy. We told Kenyans that we would not continue with excessive borrowing, and yet today we are borrowing even more than before.”

The Kiharu legislator noted that sustainable development requires leadership to balance current expenditure with safeguarding the future of the economy, adding that the management of public resources has fallen short of expectations.

“For sustainable development, it is not just about spending now, but safeguarding the future of our economy. We also want to give education the priority it deserves. Unfortunately, I do not think the party is doing right by Kenyans, especially in the way it has handled the budget. In many ways, it is disrespecting the people through some of these decisions,” he explained.

Nyoro also stressed the importance of education and creating space for young people to express themselves, saying national development must remain people-centred.

He took issue with the government for what he termed as “disrespecting the people” for imposing decisions which do not favour and are unpopular with a majority of Kenyans.

“In terms of education and broader national priorities, we must support holistic development, including ensuring that people - especially the youth - have alternative voices and platforms to express themselves, as we have recently witnessed,” Nyoro stated.

“That is why I believe these questions should be directed to the party leadership, because they are better placed to explain the deviation from what we stood for. I still believe in those principles and in the people, and I remain convinced that they are the right path for whoever is in power.”

Citing President Ruto's predecessors' governance, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, the MP maintained that his criticism of the government is rooted in principle rather than politics, insisting that the leadership must remain accountable to the promises it made to Kenyans.