The ideological fissures within the ruling coalition have widened into a chasm. Kiharu MP and Budget Committee Chair Ndindi Nyoro has publicly deconstructed President William Ruto’s economic blueprint, arguing that the "Singapore Model" of service-based growth is a fallacy for Kenya. Instead, Nyoro is championing the "South Korean" path of aggressive, state-backed industrialization.

Speaking at a business forum in Thika, Nyoro—often seen as a potential successor or rival in the 2032 matrix—argued that Kenya cannot "leapfrog" the factory phase of development. His comments are seen as a direct critique of the President’s focus on digital jobs, affordable housing, and financial hubs, which mirror Singapore’s trajectory.

"We Need Smoke Stacks, Not Just Skyscrapers"

"Singapore is a city-state with no natural resources; Kenya is an agricultural giant," Nyoro argued, flanked by Mt. Kenya industrialists. "You cannot copy Lee Kuan Yew’s homework when the exam questions are different. We should be looking at Park Chung-hee’s South Korea. We need protectionism for our industries, we need Chaebols (large family-owned conglomerates), and we need to stop apologizing for subsidizing production."

Nyoro pointed out that while Singapore relied on foreign capital, South Korea built its own giants like Samsung and Hyundai. "We are busy inviting foreigners to build our roads while our own engineers watch. That is the flaw in the plan," he added.

The Political Subtext

• The Succession Battle: Analysts view Nyoro’s pivot to economic nationalism as a strategy to consolidate the Mt. Kenya business community, which feels battered by the current tax regime. By offering an alternative economic philosophy, he is distinguishing himself from the "Yes Men" in the cabinet.
• Policy Conflict: This open dissent from the man controlling the national budget creates a policy incoherence in government. While the President pushes for open markets and treaties (like the recent EU-EPA), his key lieutenant is preaching protectionism.

Nyoro’s "Seoul Manifesto" is more than an economic lecture; it is a political statement. He is signaling that he has a mind of his own, and perhaps, a vision that differs from the man he currently serves.