Gatundu South MP Kagombe quits UDA over unfulfilled Ruto promises

Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe has announced his departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), expressing disappointment with President William Ruto's administration for not fulfilling vital campaign promises made during the 2022 election. As a UDA candidate, Kagombe criticized the government for failing to deliver meaningful development to the constituency despite its strong support for the Kenya Kwanza administration.

One of the main issues Kagombe raised was the persistent poor condition of the Mau Mau roads, which he argued have remained in disrepair for over four years, negatively impacting economic activities, particularly agriculture. He accused the administration of prioritizing projects like stadiums and the Affordable Housing Programme while neglecting the needs of Gatundu South and the broader Mt Kenya region.

Kagombe also took aim at the government's handling of tea farmers, criticizing the implementation of the Guaranteed Minimum Returns (GMR) promised in a bill aimed at protecting farmers from market volatility. He opposed additional financial burdens on farmers, such as a proposed 0.8% export levy and a Sh3.85 per kilogramme bulk tea auction levy.

The decision to leave UDA has garnered support from some local residents, who applauded Kagombe's move and accused the government of failing to provide the necessary development, particularly in road infrastructure. Kagombe has not yet announced the political party he will stand for in the upcoming 2027 General Election.