Kagombe hints at dumping Ruto over ‘profiling’ of Kikuyus

By Newsflash Writer

Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe has warned of an impending political divorce between Kenya Kwanza and Mt Kenya William Ruto–allied MPs, if some politicians in the region continue to l abel the Kikuyu community as tribalists.

Speaking over the weekend in his constituency, Kagombe accused certain politicians allied to the President of fanning tribal divisions by targeting the Kikuyu community in their political rhetoric.

The vocal lawmaker, who is considered one of Ruto’s key allies in Mt Kenya, did not mince words as he took aim at Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, and Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama.

Dangerous remarks

He accused them of making unwarranted and dangerous remarks against the Kikuyu community under the guise of attacking Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

“There is a conduct by politicians who have started meddling with the affairs of the Kikuyu community,” Kagombe said.

“Recently, I heard Osoro saying things that I did not understand. I heard Didmus Barasa talking about issues affecting the Kikuyu community. I heard [Dan] Wanyama saying that Kikuyus should be chased.”

Kagombe urged the leaders to refrain from dragging the entire Kikuyu community into their political feuds and instead address their grievances directly with Gachagua.

“We [Kikuyus] are together with William Ruto. We are in this government. If you have a problem with someone who is not in this government…if you have a problem with Rigathi, just call him. You must leave the Kikuyus and Mt Kenya locals,” he stated.

“If you start making such remarks against us, things might change in the coming days. I am just giving you a warning. It’s the wananchi who have made that decision. They have listened to you, and they have forewarned you. Don’t start to bring tribal wars. We dealt out with tribal issues in 2022 when we voted for a non-Kikuyu because we are not tribal,” Kagombe added.

His remarks come against the backdrop of heightened political unease in Mt Kenya, with many residents expressing discontent over the perceived economic marginalization under the Ruto administration.

Saba Saba violence

The recent Saba Saba demonstrations—marked by looting, violence, and a heavy-handed State response—have intensified local frustrations. Many businesses in central Kenya were destroyed, with fingers pointed at goons allegedly sponsored by the State.

Kagombe, who was among Mt Kenya MPs who supported the controversial impeachment motion against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, appears to be walking a tightrope between defending his community and maintaining loyalty to the President. However, political observers say his latest remarks signal a possible shift in allegiance.

“This could be a sign that Ruto-allied MPs are finally realizing that the President is no longer sellable in the Mountain, with the current perception that his regime is persecuting the region economically,” said Prof Peter Kagwanja, a political analyst.

Most MPs may come out

He noted that Kagombe may just be the first of many Mt Kenya leaders preparing to distance themselves from the President as the political temperature continues to rise in the region.

“Kagombe is just the bold one. Many may start coming out soon,” Kagwanja told Newsflash.

The warning shots fired by Kagombe are likely to further complicate the already strained relationship between Mt Kenya leaders and the Kenya Kwanza regime.

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While Ruto enjoyed strong support in the region during the 2022 elections, recent events suggest a growing disconnect between the ruling coalition and Mt Kenya voters.

Political insiders speculate that Kagombe’s bold remarks could be the first step toward a broader political re-alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

The perceived targeting of the Kikuyu community by some of Ruto’s closest allies has become a sensitive issue, especially in a region that prides itself on being a political kingmaker.