Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has issued a sharp challenge to President William Ruto ahead of his scheduled tour of Northern Kenya, accusing the Head of State of repeated unfulfilled promises and weak accountability in the region.
Speaking during a press conference with journalists on Tuesday, February 10, Gachagua claimed that President Ruto has consistently failed to deliver tangible development whenever he visits Northern Kenya.
He argued that residents have been subjected to political rhetoric without meaningful improvements in their living conditions, despite repeated pledges by the government.
Gachagua said the core issue facing communities in the region is not a lack of plans, but accountability in the use of public resources.
He alleged that corruption and theft by leaders close to the President have undermined development efforts, leaving residents trapped in poverty, hunger, and water shortages.
The DCP leader criticised the style of presidential tours, claiming that senior leaders often arrive in military helicopters, creating a display of power that contrasts sharply with the hardship on the ground.
He said such visits, conducted without addressing urgent humanitarian needs, risk alienating already struggling communities.
In a pointed message to the President, Gachagua urged him to prioritise the immediate needs of the people during the upcoming tour.
He suggested that the visit should go beyond speeches and instead focus on delivering food, water, and practical solutions to long-standing challenges such as drought, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
The remarks add to growing political pressure on the government over its handling of Northern Kenya, a region that has historically lagged behind in infrastructure and social services.
In the recent past, Gachagua has been vocal on issues affecting Northern Kenya, repeatedly accusing leaders from the region of corruption, which he says has contributed to persistent underdevelopment despite significant public spending.
While the government maintains that it has rolled out development and relief programmes in arid and semi-arid areas, critics argue that the impact on the ground remains limited.