Gatundu South Member of Parliament Gabriel Kagombe has expressed skepticism over Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s capacity to deliver the Mount Kenya region’s votes to President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

In an interview on August 12, 2026, Kagombe, who recently left the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join the opposition, challenged Kindiki’s political influence. He argued that even securing a portion of Mount Kenya for Ruto would be difficult.

Questioning Kindiki’s Influence

Kagombe referenced the recent Mbeere North by-election, where Kindiki was reportedly active in campaigning. Despite this, the UDA candidate won by a slim margin of just about 300 votes. Given that Mbeere North is Kindiki’s home area, Kagombe suggested the narrow victory highlights the deputy president’s limited sway in his own region.

Contrasting By-Election Outcomes

He contrasted this with the Ol Kalou by-election, where the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate secured a decisive win despite government efforts to influence voters with material incentives. Kagombe noted that while voters accepted these incentives, they ultimately favored the opposition candidate, indicating that such gestures did not guarantee political loyalty.

Implications for 2027 and Kindiki’s Future

  • Kagombe emphasized that the mixed results raise doubts about Kindiki’s ability to mobilize the broader Mount Kenya region for Ruto in the upcoming election.
  • He stated, "He cannot deliver the entire mountain or even a side of it. No way."
  • The MP also hinted at uncertainty surrounding Kindiki’s standing within UDA, suggesting the deputy president’s political future in the party may already be settled.
  • Kagombe linked his own defection to the opposition to these political realities and expressed doubt over whether Ruto will continue to accommodate Kindiki as the 2027 polls approach.