A political party that has largely remained outside the national spotlight is now at the centre of attention after Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro chose it as his new political home and declared that he and his supporters had crossed into the opposition.
Nyoro announced the move on Monday, August 17, 2026, ending his association with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and taking over the leadership of the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK). The decision comes as political parties and leaders prepare for the 2027 General Election.
PPK describes itself as a grassroots political organisation whose focus is on ordinary Kenyans. Its target groups include teachers, traders, farmers, boda boda riders and young people.
The party uses the slogan “Sauti ya Wakenya” (Your voice. Your party. Your Kenya), while its official slogan is “Usawa Haki Uhuru” (Equality, Justice, Freedom).
With Nyoro now at the helm, PPK hopes to move from being a registered party with limited national visibility to a political outfit capable of attracting supporters and candidates from different parts of the country.
A party registered in 2012
The People’s Party of Kenya was formally registered by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties on May 14, 2012, under certificate serial number 022.
Its official symbol is a microphone, and its colours are blue, red, green and white.
PPK is headquartered at Ruprani House along Moktar Dada Street. Although its formal registration dates back to 2012, historical records trace its establishment to around 1996.
The party’s agenda is built around issues that affect households and small businesses.
It wants to tackle the rising cost of living by reducing taxes on household essentials. It also supports increased access to affordable capital for small businesses as part of its plan to create jobs and support economic activity.
Healthcare is another area covered by its programme, with the party calling for hospitals to be properly staffed and supplied with medicines.
In education, PPK wants action on overcrowded classrooms.
The party also places emphasis on accountability in government and greater transparency in the management of public funds.
Its devolution policy seeks to ensure that government resources reach counties and local communities.
These proposals form part of the party’s wider attempt to present itself as a political platform centred on the needs of ordinary citizens.
Nyoro formally announced his decision to join PPK on Monday, August 17, after months of discussions with political leaders from different sides of the political divide.
“Mimi kama Ndindi Nyoro na wafuasi wangu, kutoka leo, nimeingia chama inaitwa People’s Party of Kenya. As all members of the People’s Party of Kenya, we have today joined the opposition,” Nyoro declared.
He called on voters to give PPK consideration when choosing political leaders ahead of the 2027 election.
“Mkiangalia viongozi wale watapeleka Kenya mbele from next year, I also ask humbly the people of Kenya, muangalie pia People’s Party. Pia wao wako na viongozi wanaweza shikana mkono na wengine na tukomboe Kenya August of next year,” he added.
The move followed close to a year of consultations involving several political figures.
Those consulted included Peter Munya, Martha Karua, James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna, Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang’i.
Orengo was present during Nyoro’s announcement and welcomed his decision to join the opposition.
Nyoro’s political shift is notable because he was previously one of the leading Mount Kenya voices supporting President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
During his time in the ruling camp, he also chaired the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Taking PPK beyond Mount Kenya
Nyoro now wants to use PPK as a platform for a wider political campaign instead of limiting it to his traditional support base.
He plans to begin political tours in Uasin Gishu, Kericho and Nandi as he seeks to introduce the party to voters in areas that have traditionally been strongholds of Ruto.
The former Kenya Kwanza supporter has also opened the door for opposition politicians seeking elective positions under the PPK banner.
He has invited opposition aspirants to attend the party’s rallies and said he will mentor candidates seeking MCA and parliamentary seats.
The approach is aimed at giving PPK a larger presence as the opposition works to build its political machinery ahead of 2027.
For the party, however, the task will extend beyond Nyoro’s popularity.
It will have to establish working structures across the country, attract candidates and convince voters outside Kiharu and the wider Mount Kenya region to support its agenda.
Nyoro’s entry has nevertheless changed the political conversation around PPK, giving the party a more visible figure as preparations for the next General Election gather pace.
His decision also adds another party to an opposition landscape where different leaders and political formations are already seeking alliances, supporters and candidates for the 2027 contest.