NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on President William Ruto to declare the ongoing drought in northern Kenya a national disaster, warning that delayed action is worsening a humanitarian crisis now in its third month.
Speaking on Thursday, January 22, 2026, during interviews with local media stations in the North Eastern region, Gachagua accused the government of moving too slowly as famine tightens its grip on counties such as Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo and parts of Tana River.
He argued that a formal disaster declaration would unlock donor funding and emergency humanitarian support needed to cushion vulnerable communities facing acute food shortages.
“Please, Ruto, think about your fellow human beings in Garissa, Mandera, Wajir and Isiolo, including Tana River. Because of hunger, declare this a national disaster to attract funding,” Gachagua said.
Drawing from his time in office, Gachagua said drought response previously fell under his docket and insisted that he always acted swiftly when early warning signs emerged.
He noted that during past crises, including the 2023 drought, interventions were rolled out within two months to prevent prolonged suffering.
“I never allowed drought situations to go beyond two months without decisive intervention,” he said, adding that he personally visited affected areas, engaged donors, non-governmental organisations, development banks and local leaders, and coordinated emergency response plans.
Criticism of Kindiki
Gachagua also took aim at his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saying it was his responsibility to urgently address the worsening situation in the north.
According to the former DP, Kindiki has instead prioritised political messaging over humanitarian action.
“Kindiki is busy moving around chanting ‘fire si fire’ and other slogans while people are suffering,” Gachagua remarked, dismissing the rhetoric as misplaced amid the crisis.
Northern leaders under fire
The former Deputy President further faulted leaders from drought-hit counties for what he described as silence as their constituents endure the effects of prolonged dry conditions.
He singled out leaders from Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Turkana and Marsabit, accusing them of failing to speak up or push for urgent government intervention.
Gachagua said he would continue speaking on behalf of affected communities and vowed to openly call out leaders he believes are neglecting their responsibility to advocate for relief measures.
Northern Kenya has experienced recurrent droughts in recent years, with humanitarian agencies warning that delayed responses often deepen food insecurity, displacement and loss of livelihoods.
