Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP) Gathoni Wamuchomba has announced that she will no longer align herself with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying she will seek to defend her seat through another political outfit.
Addressing the media on October 8, Wamuchomba said her decision followed consultations with her voters, community leaders, the church and political colleagues.
“I am not going to align myself with the UDA government. I am not going to align myself with the political party UDA. I am going to make sure that I defend my seat using another political outfit that my people will guide me towards it,” she said.
Gathoni Wamuchomba Announces Exit From UDA
Wamuchomba accused the government of failing to act on concerns raised by leaders, citing the challenges facing tea and coffee farmers as among the issues that informed her decision.
She called for the immediate suspension of the 0.8 per cent tea export levy, arguing that the move would give farmers and exporters room to recover lost markets and improve their bargaining position.
According to Wamuchomba, Kenya has lost key tea markets, including Sudan and Iran, while tea stocks are accumulating at the Port of Mombasa, affecting quality and weakening exporters’ bargaining power.
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Coffee Farmers Exploited
She also called for the publication of an audit of tea factories, a clear restructuring and recovery plan for heavily indebted factories and a debt waiver programme for struggling factories.
Wamuchomba further raised concerns over the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE), claiming that the institution remains a private company despite recommendations made following a 2023 review by the parliamentary tea and coffee caucus.
She said the Attorney General had issued an advisory on the NCE and recommended the creation of a government-oriented entity to handle farmers’ coffee money, but alleged that no action had been taken.
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The MP said the issue was particularly urgent because the NCE handles billions of shillings belonging to coffee farmers.
Wamuchomba also criticised what she described as selective application of justice by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), questioning why Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale had not been summoned over remarks she said targeted a particular community.
She said she would no longer defend or campaign for a political seat through UDA, adding that she would follow the direction of her constituents when choosing another political vehicle.
Wamuchomba also warned that continued difficulties in the tea sector could affect farmers, factory workers and rural economies, calling for urgent government intervention.
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