Gatundu South MP Quits UDA Party Over Broken Promises
Gatundu South Member of Parliament Gabriel Kagombe has formally cut ties with the United Democratic Alliance, declaring that President William Ruto’s administration has failed to deliver on key commitments made to residents of the constituency.
Elected on the party’s ticket in twenty twenty-two, the lawmaker said he could no longer back a government that, in his assessment, has neglected meaningful development despite strong local support. He made the announcement while speaking at the burial of community leader Phyllis Njoki Kuria in Karangi village within Gatundu South, Kiambu County.
Kagombe pointed to the long-stalled Mau Mau roads as a clear example of unmet expectations, noting that the network has remained in a poor state for more than four years. He argued that the deteriorating condition continues to hamper economic activity, especially for farmers who face daily difficulties moving produce to market. “The people of Gatundu South have supported this government, but what have they received in return?” he asked, questioning the administration’s development priorities.
The legislator further accused the government of directing resources toward stadiums, housing programmes and major highways such as the Rironi–Mau Summit stretch in other regions while overlooking Gatundu South and the broader Mount Kenya area. As Zone One director at the Kenya Tea Development Agency, he also criticised the failure to introduce the promised Guaranteed Minimum Returns for tea growers, a measure that was meant to shield farmers from market volatility.
Kagombe expressed particular concern over additional financial pressures on the tea sector, including the existing zero-point-eight per cent export levy and a proposed three-point-eighty-five-shilling-per-kilogramme bulk tea auction levy contained in the Tea Amendment Bill. He maintained that these charges would further erode already thin earnings at a time when labour and input costs continue to rise and monthly payments remain unpredictable. In his view, the administration has introduced burdens rather than the support once pledged to agricultural producers.
Some local residents have welcomed the decision, saying the constituency has seen too little tangible progress on infrastructure despite backing the current leadership. Kagombe has not yet named the political vehicle he intends to use when defending his seat in the twenty twenty-seven general election. His departure follows recent comments in which he had already signalled willingness to leave the party over the handling of another Mount Kenya legislator’s arrest, underscoring growing frustration within parts of the region.
