Gatundu South MP GG Kagombe has come under fire for simultaneously holding a directorship at the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) while serving as a Member of Parliament.
Kagombe’s directorship at the Theta Tea Factory managed by KTDA has sparked serious inquiries about potential conflicts of interest.
Some critics argue that it is morally questionable for an elected official to retain a directorship at an organization like KTDA which manages over 65 tea factories.
Kagombe recently facilitated a business engagement between KTDA and the Iran-based Sharzad Trading Company to explore new market frontiers for Kenyan tea.
Public sentiment is largely negative with many calling for Kagombe to relinquish his directorship role and focus on serving his constituents.
“Hi Nyakundi. Unknown to many, this Kagombe, the Gatundu South MP, is still a KTDA factory director. Imagine a whole MP wouldn’t let go of a mere directorship of a tea factory? And I hear he still wants to be on the ballot during the upcoming factory directorship elections in June. yaani, kwa iyo village yao, anaona ni kama hakuna mama mboga mwingine alizaa mtoto ako na akili ya kuwa factory director? Look deeper, you will understand why he can’t let go. I would excuse other professionals but not an elected legislator. His is an avenue for looting. Look at KTDA’s social media page and ask yourself why he is the only factory director (KTDA manages over 65 factories) who is given such prominence.”
