Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe has announced his decision to leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), accusing the government of failing to deliver on key promises made to residents of the constituency. Kagombe, who was elected on a UDA ticket in the 2022 General Election, said he could no longer remain in a party whose administration he believes has failed to address the needs of his constituents despite their strong support for President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government. The lawmaker made the announcement during the burial of community leader Phyllis Njoki Kuria in Karangi village, Gatundu South, Kiambu County.
Kagombe Raises Concern Over Roads
One of the major issues raised by Kagombe was the poor state of the Mau Mau roads, which he said had remained incomplete and in poor condition for more than four years. He argued that the situation had negatively affected economic activities, particularly among farmers who depend on the roads to transport their produce to markets.
Kagombe questioned why Gatundu South had not received adequate development despite residents supporting the government during the 2022 elections. He also criticised the administration for prioritising projects in other parts of the country, including stadiums, housing programmes and the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, while allegedly giving less attention to Gatundu South and the wider Mt Kenya region.
MP Criticises Government Over Tea Farmers
Kagombe, who also serves as KTDA Zone One director, further criticised the government over what he described as inadequate support for tea farmers. He raised concerns about levies affecting the tea sector, including the 0.8 per cent export levy and a proposed KSh3.85 per kilogramme bulk tea auction levy contained in the Tea Amendment Bill.
According to the MP, the additional charges could further reduce farmers’ earnings at a time when they are already facing high labour and production costs. He also accused the government of failing to fulfil its promise to introduce Guaranteed Minimum Returns (GMR) for tea farmers. Kagombe argued that farmers needed greater protection from fluctuations in international tea prices rather than additional financial burdens.
Calls Government a “One-Term” Administration
The Gatundu South MP also criticised the government’s fertiliser subsidy programme, claiming that billions of shillings allocated for the initiative had not been fully paid out. He warned that continued failure to address farmers’ concerns could cost the administration political support ahead of the 2027 General Election. His remarks come amid growing debate over the implementation of promised minimum returns for agricultural value chains, including tea, with farmers continuing to face fluctuations in earnings.
Kagombe Previously Threatened to Join DCP
Kagombe’s announcement comes days after he threatened to leave UDA for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) following the arrest of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia. He had accused government officials of mishandling Kaguchia’s arrest and warned that he could defect if the lawmaker was not treated fairly. Kaguchia was arrested over remarks concerning Mt Kenya residents and their potential voting choices in the 2027 presidential election. Kagombe has not yet revealed which political party he will use to defend his Gatundu South seat in the 2027 elections.
