NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President and DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has blamed the chronic underdevelopment in Northern Kenya on poor leadership and lack of accountability, not the people.
Speaking in Nairobi after meetings with political figures, Gachagua highlighted the disparity between the region’s vast resources and the persistent poverty its residents face.
Counties including Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, and Isiolo have received over one trillion shillings in national transfers since devolution, including NG-CDF, the equalisation fund, and allocations from the Kenya Roads Board.
“Beyond domestic transfers, trillions more have flowed from international donors and development partners, yet progress on the ground remains minimal,” he said.
Somalis and Kikuyus are, by culture and practice, business people. Across Kenya and especially in Nairobi they are the foundation of our economy.The word Somali originates from the phrase “soo maal” which means the obligation to go out and seek sustenance, to hunt, to milk, or
Gachagua accused leaders of treating public office as a personal investment, spending more time in Nairobi building private wealth than providing basic infrastructure and services for their communities.
He stressed that accountability, not hostility, is key to reversing Northern Kenya’s suffering.
“The ailing silent patient of our Republic must confront its leaders to heal,” Gachagua said.