Gachagua Blasts Government Over Worsening Drought Crisis
Politics Updated: 10 February 2026 22:32 EAT
DCP leader H.E Rigathi Gachagua
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on the government over its handling of the ongoing drought, accusing it of neglecting vulnerable communities in northern Kenya as hunger deepens across the region.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party leader faulted the allocation of Ksh 4 billion set aside for drought mitigation, terming the amount grossly inadequate against the scale of the crisis. He warned that food insecurity has reached alarming levels, with an estimated 3.3 million people currently affected nationwide.
Gachagua urged President William Ruto to immediately declare the drought a national disaster, arguing that such a move would unlock urgent interventions and international support. He said delays in decisive action were worsening human suffering, particularly in arid and semi-arid counties.
The former deputy president claimed that nearly four million Kenyans are facing severe drought conditions, while the government remains preoccupied with publicity-driven programmes, early political mobilization and non-essential spending instead of prioritizing relief efforts.
He further accused the administration of sidelining northern Kenya communities, noting that pastoralist regions continue to bear the brunt of climate shocks without adequate government response, including water provision, livestock support and food aid.
Gachagua also criticized the president’s public engagements, saying the focus on initiatives such as the Nyota programmes has diverted attention from the humanitarian emergency unfolding in drought-hit areas.
He called for a coordinated national response involving county governments, humanitarian agencies and development partners, stressing that the crisis requires urgent leadership rather than political optics.
The remarks add to growing pressure on the government as humanitarian groups and local leaders warn that without swift action, the drought could escalate into a full-blown famine in the most affected regions.
Tags: Signs Media Kenya Limited Dp Rigathi Gachagua Signstvkenya Drought Editor's Pick Rigathi Gachagua Signsmedia
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD