Speaking during the burial of community leader Phyllis Njoki Kuria in Karangi village, Kiambu County, Kagombe said he could no longer continue supporting a government that had failed to deliver meaningful development to the people of Gatundu South despite their strong support for Kenya Kwanza.
Kagombe Cites Poor Roads and Tea Farmer Concerns
The MP identified the stalled Mau Mau roads as one of the clearest signs of neglect, saying the poor state of the roads had hurt farmers and disrupted the transportation of produce to markets.
He questioned why the government had prioritised projects such as stadiums, housing programmes and the Rironi–Mau Summit Road while Gatundu South continued to struggle with deteriorating infrastructure.
Kagombe also criticised the government over what he described as failure to implement the promised Guaranteed Minimum Returns for tea farmers.
Tea Levies Under Fire
The lawmaker opposed the existing 0.8 per cent export levy and the proposed Ksh3.85 per kilogramme bulk tea auction levy contained in the Tea Amendment Bill, arguing that the charges would reduce farmers’ earnings at a time when production costs continue to rise.
He further accused the government of failing to reimburse billions of shillings promised under the fertiliser subsidy programme.
Residents Back His Decision
Some residents welcomed Kagombe’s decision to leave UDA, saying the constituency had not benefited sufficiently from major government development projects, particularly road infrastructure.
The MP has not yet revealed the political party he intends to use to defend his seat in the 2027 General Election.
Defection Threats Intensify
Kagombe’s exit follows his recent threat to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) over the arrest of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia.
He had earlier warned that Mt Kenya leaders could defect to Wamunyoro if the government failed to address what he considered unfair treatment of the legislator.
The announcement adds to growing political realignments in the Mt Kenya region as leaders continue to reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
