Gatundu South Member of Parliament Gabriel Kagombe encountered hostile reactions from attendees at a Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) rally held in Thika Town, Kiambu County, on August 16.

As Kagombe spoke, some members of the crowd chanted "one term," reflecting disapproval of his recent political realignment. In response, the first-term legislator removed his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) cap and donned a DCP-branded one, signaling his formal break from the ruling party and alignment with DCP.

Kagombe’s Shift and Political Stance

Kagombe described his departure from UDA and opposition to President William Ruto’s administration as a pivotal "Damascus moment." He expressed readiness to collaborate with DCP members and emphasized that his political future depends on the approval of his Gatundu South constituents.

He stated, "From today, we are on Rigathi Gachagua’s side, and we now wear the DCP cap. I have left the other side behind."

Gachagua’s Conditional Welcome

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua addressed both the crowd and Kagombe, welcoming anyone opposing President Ruto as a friend. However, he urged Kagombe to first seek forgiveness from his constituents before gaining full acceptance within the party.

Gachagua said: "I can forgive you, but as long as you are not at peace with your people, everything else becomes obsolete."

Political Turbulence in Mt Kenya

This incident highlights the ongoing political volatility in the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua has declared UDA's influence waning, citing recent by-election results as evidence of shifting voter loyalty ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kagombe joins a growing number of leaders, including Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata and Laikipia's Kiarie Badilisha, who have distanced themselves from UDA to align with DCP. Several ward representatives have also defected, indicating a widening divide within the ruling party's traditional base.

Challenges Within DCP and UDA

  • DCP faces internal debate over admitting about 30 pro-Ruto figures linked to Gachagua’s impeachment efforts.
  • Meanwhile, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah downplays the defections, describing them as routine political repositioning rather than a collapse of UDA’s Mt Kenya support.