NAIROBI, Kenya — Government officials have stepped up engagement and activity in Northern Kenya counties, following a wave of public criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over development disparities and education policy.
The increased presence of national and county leaders in the predominantly Arid and Semi‑Arid Lands (ASAL) region comes as tensions rise between voices questioning regional development and government actors seeking to respond with policy engagement and outreach.
Gachagua has accused Northern Kenya leaders of embezzling funds meant for development, leaving the region undeveloped, despite devolution monies.
On the second day of my Health Tour across Garissa County, I handed over a 54-seater bus to Garissa High School, fulfilling a pledge made by H.E. President @WilliamsRuto during his February 2025 development tour of North Eastern Kenya.The new bus will strengthen the school’s
On Saturday, a delegation of UDA leaders led by Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and Kimani Ichungwa visited Marsabit while Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale camped in his home county of Garissa.
Duale handed a school bus to Garissa High School and held a series of public rallies.
The CS said he agrees with Gachagua about undevelopment in Northern Kenya.
“I disagree with the messenger’s intent, but the claims about Northern Kenya’s leadership crisis are true,” Duale said.
Sen. @Aaroncheruiyot, for the record, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta visited Marsabit county more than 4 times in his last presidential term as well as initiating numerous impactful projects. I am not only proud to be Uhuru’s friend but privileged to have served under such a great leader.
Gachagua has accused the leaders of stealing and using the proceeds to buy off land and build apartments and malls in parts of Nairobi.
“Devolution has been in place since 2013, and leaders from those regions have not developed institutions at the same pace, yet they want their children to benefit from facilities established by other counties,” Gachagua said.
“Let leaders from northern Kenya not lecture us about affirmative action. Devolution has been in place since 2013, and leaders from those regions have deliberately refused to develop institutions.”
Gachagua urged residents to “demand greater accountability from their leaders” over how public funds such as the NG‑CDF and Equalisation Fund have been utilised, saying residents continue to face poor infrastructure despite allocations.
The journey to Singapore is stadiums like the ones being built here. It is not about leaving Marsabit to go to Singapore, Singapore will come to Marsabit – Kimani Ichung’wah
Gachagua’s Comments Spark Debate
It all started when Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), criticised leaders from Northern Kenya over slow development progress, particularly in education.
He questioned why regions such as Garissa, Wajir and Mandera had not seen significant improvements in secondary school infrastructure despite receiving billions in public funds since devolution was introduced.
Gachagua argued that local leaders had not utilised resources effectively and called for greater accountability, sparking widespread debate.
His remarks came amid a broader national conversation about the national school placement system, which gives special consideration to learners from marginalised regions under affirmative action policies.
Gachagua suggested the process be reviewed to focus more on merit and equity, a stance that drew sharp responses from some Northern Kenya political figures.
We are saying tutam not because of politics, we are saying tutam because of the work you can see being done here in Marsabit – Kimani Ichung’wah
Government Officials Increase Engagement in the North
In the days following the backlash to Gachagua’s comments, senior government officials and political leaders have been more visible in Northern counties, including Garissa, Wajir and Mandera.
While not always officially linked in government statements to Gachagua’s criticism, the timing coincides with efforts to show renewed commitment to development in areas perceived to have lagged behind.
Northern Kenya leaders and MPs have pushed back against Gachagua’s narrative, defending affirmative action and devolution as key drivers of progress in the region and insisting that development efforts should continue through institutional channels rather than political rhetoric.
Analysts say the heightened activity in the region reflects political positioning ahead of the 2027 general election, where Northern Kenya’s electorate will be a vital constituency.
