Gachagua Takes Aim at North Eastern Leaders Over Development Claims
Politics Updated: 23 January 2026 11:39 EAT
Photo courtesy: Rigathi Gachagua on X
Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has sparked fresh political debate after accusing leaders from Kenya’s North Eastern region of neglecting their constituents while investing in personal wealth outside the region.
Speaking during recent public engagements, Gachagua claimed that some elected leaders from the region spend most of their time in Nairobi and other cities, allegedly prioritising private investments over service delivery to the people who elected them.
He argued that despite billions of shillings allocated to North Eastern counties over the years through devolution, residents continue to face poor infrastructure, limited access to education, water shortages, and recurring humanitarian crises.
Gachagua called on residents of the region to demand greater accountability from their leaders, urging them to question how public funds such as the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and Equalisation Fund have been utilised.
The DCP leader also positioned himself as a defender of marginalised communities, stating that he would continue to speak out on behalf of North Eastern residents who, he said, have been let down by those entrusted with leadership.
However, leaders from the region strongly rejected Gachagua’s claims, describing them as misleading and politically motivated. Some governors and MPs said the remarks ignore long-standing historical marginalisation, insecurity, and harsh climatic conditions that have slowed development.
They maintained that county governments have implemented visible projects in health, roads, education, and water, arguing that progress should be assessed within the context of persistent structural challenges.
The remarks have triggered mixed reactions among the public, with some Kenyans supporting calls for audits and accountability, while others warn that the rhetoric risks deepening regional divisions.
Political analysts say the exchange reflects growing tensions ahead of future political realignments, with development, devolution, and regional equity expected to remain central themes in national debate.
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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