Gatundu South MP GG Kagombe has welcomed former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria’s decision to contest the constituency seat in the 2027 General Election, saying he is confident of defeating his predecessor if they face each other in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominations.

Speaking during an interview on K24 TV’s Grind and Glory, Kagombe dismissed suggestions that Kuria’s planned comeback had unsettled him, insisting the former Gatundu South MP was welcome to enter the race.

“No. Moses is the easiest candidate to defeat. He is most welcome. In fact, akuje mapema,” Kagombe said.

His remarks come nearly three months after Kuria publicly announced that he would seek to reclaim the Gatundu South parliamentary seat under the UDA ticket.

Kuria, who represented Gatundu South between 2014 and 2022 before unsuccessfully contesting the Kiambu governorship, has said he wants to return to Parliament as part of a wider political strategy ahead of a possible presidential bid in 2032.

Speaking in April, Kuria said he had never been voted out by the people of Gatundu South and believed the constituency remained his political home.

“I love them and they love me,” Kuria said at the time.

Despite Kuria’s declaration, Kagombe argued that it was too early to speculate about the UDA nomination because the party had not opened applications for aspirants.

“It’s not known. The register is not open,” he said.

Asked whether he expected to secure the party ticket, Kagombe replied: “More or less.”

Kagombe levels claims against Kuria

The interview became more heated when Kagombe accused Kuria of failing residents during his tenure as Gatundu South MP.

Without presenting documentary evidence during the interview, Kagombe claimed that funds meant for electricity connections, bursaries and road projects were misused while Kuria was in office.

“The one who stole from constituents and stole their electricity money, the one who stole their bursary, the one who stole their money for roads and stole all the roads,” Kagombe claimed.

When asked whether he had evidence to support the claims and whether they had been tested in court, Kagombe maintained that he stood by his remarks.

“Yes, there’s evidence,” he said.

After the interviewer noted that no court had determined the allegations, Kagombe challenged Kuria to sue him.

“Let him take me to court. I will deal with it,” he said.

Kagombe urged Kuria to file a case if he believed the claims were false.

“Akuje… aende kortini, tukutane huko, aseme hakuiba. Aseme bursary alipeleka wapi,” he said.

He also challenged journalists to visit Gatundu South and ask residents about constituency bursaries and other development projects during Kuria’s tenure.

“Uende Gatundu… uliza bursary ya watu wa Gatundu kama ilikuwa imeibiwa ama haikuwa imeibiwa,” Kagombe said.

Kuria has previously defended his record as Gatundu South MP. At the time of publication, he had not publicly responded to Kagombe’s latest claims.

Kagombe predicts UDA victory in Ol Kalou

Kagombe also expressed confidence that UDA would retain the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat in the July 16 by-election, describing the contest as another indication of the party’s strength ahead of 2027.

“UDA will win in Ol Kalou and will carry our seat,” he said. “I have looked at the ratings, and UDA will win that election.”

The by-election has attracted national attention after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that government officials were collecting voters’ identity cards in exchange for subsidised gas cylinders and mattresses, claims the government has not admitted to.

The contest pits UDA candidate Samuel Nyaga against Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Kamau Ngotho following the death of former MP David Kiaraho.

Kagombe dismissed suggestions that recent political debate and criticism of the government reflected the mood across the country.

“At times, we imagine that our individual realities are the realities of the world,” he said.

He argued that many people form opinions based on their social circles and online interactions, which do not necessarily represent the views of ordinary Kenyans.

“You think that that is the reality of life,” Kagombe said. “That is one of the things that has really, really messed up.”

According to the UDA lawmaker, political leaders who spend time engaging directly with communities have a better understanding of voter sentiment than those relying on social media conversations.