Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has once again stirred national debate after issuing a bold statement targeting leaders from Kenya’s North Eastern and other arid regions.
Speaking during an interview on a local television station, Gachagua questioned how counties in arid and semi-arid areas are utilizing the billions of shillings allocated to them annually under the devolved system of government.
Gachagua singled out counties such as Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Isiolo and Garissa, demanding accountability from their leadership.
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According to him, despite receiving substantial funding from the national government, these regions still lag behind in development, with residents continuing to struggle with poor infrastructure, water shortages and inadequate social services.
He claimed that there is little to show on the ground, accusing some leaders of enjoying public funds while living comfortably in Nairobi.
The former deputy president insisted that his remarks were not meant to attack any community but to spark a serious conversation on equal development and responsible leadership.
He argued that devolution was meant to uplift marginalized regions and not enrich a few individuals.
His statements have elicited mixed reactions, with some Kenyans applauding him for demanding accountability, while others accuse him of politicizing regional disparities and unfairly targeting leaders from historically marginalized areas.
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