Lamu Woman Rep Muthoni Marubu withdraws plan to join UDA

Gatundu South Member of Parliament Gabriel Kagombe is leaving the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, alleging that President William Ruto's government has failed to fulfill critical campaign promises. Kagombe, who was elected under the UDA banner, stated he could no longer support a government that neglected development projects promised to his constituents.

The MP made his announcement during the burial of Phyllis Njoki, a prominent community leader, in Karangi village, Gatundu South, Kiambu County. Kagombe highlighted the poor condition of the Mau Mau roads in his constituency, which have hindered economic activities in the largely agricultural region. He criticized the government for prioritizing other regions while neglecting Gatundu South despite the constituency's strong support for the Kenya Kwanza administration in the 2022 elections.

Additionally, Kagombe expressed concerns over the tea farmers' economic challenges, specifically the lack of a Guaranteed Minimum Returns (GMR) framework for tea farmers and the proposed export levy and bulk tea auction levy in the Tea Amendment Bill. These measures, he argued, would further burden already struggling farmers who are already facing rising labour and farm-input costs, coupled with low and unpredictable bonus payments.

The tea sector stakeholders and leaders have expressed concerns over the pace of implementation of minimum price protections, leaving farmers exposed to fluctuations in tea earnings and global market shocks. Kagombe's move marks a significant political shift in Gatundu South ahead of the 2027 General Election, given the constituency's historical association with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Local residents welcomed Kagombe's decision to leave UDA, as the constituency has yet to witness significant development in areas such as road infrastructure under the current administration.