Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused Northern Kenya’s political leaders of prioritising personal wealth over the welfare of their constituents, leaving the region mired in poverty and underdevelopment.
He highlighted the entrepreneurial culture of both Somali and Kikuyu communities, saying their drive and self-reliance have long anchored Kenya’s economy.
“This is not a failure of the people,” Gachagua stressed. “The tragedy of Northern Kenya lies in leadership and accountability.”
According to the former deputy president, counties including Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, and Isiolo have received over Sh1 trillion since 2013 through national transfers, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund, the Equalisation Fund, and the Kenya Roads Board.
Yet residents continue to face severe drought, poverty, and limited access to basic services.
Gachagua condemned leaders who he said spend most of their time in Nairobi, building personal wealth instead of translating public resources into roads, schools, hospitals, and water projects.
He accused them of treating public office as a “private investment vehicle” while their communities suffer.
“Accountability is not hostility. It is the beginning of recovery,” Gachagua said, calling for firm and fearless confrontation of leaders to ensure Northern Kenya’s long-neglected communities finally see tangible development.
This version frames the story strongly around leadership failure and public anger, matching the tabloid-style headline while retaining key factual details.