Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe faces a fresh legal challenge as three petitioners move to court seeking to nullify his election as Director of Theta and Ndarugu Tea Factory in Gatundu.
The petitioners argue that Kagombe’s role as a serving member of the National Assembly and a state officer creates a conflict of interest, as he would draw two government salaries.
They claim this situation violates Chapter Six of the constitution, especially since the legislator is currently facing murder charges related to the death of David Nduati, a 26-year-old boda boda rider in Thika town on May 17.
Kagombe secured the position of Director of Theta and Ndarugu Tea Factory last month, receiving 17 votes compared to 14 for his closest competitor, David Muni Ichoho, a former Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) chairman.
However, the petitioners—Wanjeri Nderu, Samuel Mbugua, and Nahason Mathu—question the validity of Kagombe’s election, arguing that the process was marred by inconsistencies that compromised its fairness and transparency.
A Milimani court has ordered the transfer of the petitions to Kiambu High Court for hearing and determination, citing jurisdiction issues. “I have read the Notice of Motion Application dated 02/08/2024, the certificate of urgency of even date, together with attached chamber summons, affidavits sworn by Wanjeri Nderu, and the attached documents and note the cause of action has roots in Kiambu County,” Judge L.N. Mugambi stated while issuing the orders.
Kagombe, who is the MP for Gatundu South, has yet to respond to the allegations. His supporters, however, dismiss the petition as a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his reputation and disrupt his efforts to bring positive change to the tea industry in Kiambu.
This legal battle adds to the challenges facing Kagombe, who has been a vocal advocate for agricultural reforms and the empowerment of local farmers.
