Gachagua to Ruto: ‘You have failed the North’ over drought, unfulfilled promises
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing his administration of mismanaging public resources and neglecting the people of Northern Kenya with unfulfilled promises and unattended drought concerns.
Speaking during a press briefing at DCP headquarters in Nairobi yesterday, Gachagua highlighted what he called “a disturbing pattern of government excess and neglect.”
He cited a recent expose showing that the Deputy President’s Office spent Ksh338 million on private jets and helicopters, while the Social Health Authority (SHA) reportedly lost Sh11 billion.
“This government does not take human life seriously,” Gachagua said.
“For a young man in Kenya, if they are not killing you in the streets, they are tear-gassing you in church or killing you with hunger in Northern Kenya,” he added.
The impeached ex-DP criticised Northern Kenya’s political leaders, alleging that they have misappropriated over Ksh1 trillion since the inception of devolution in 2013 while their communities continue to suffer from hunger and deprivation.
“The people of Northern Kenya are Kenyans, their children are Kenyan children. Their hopes, struggles, and aspirations are part of the shared destiny of our nation,” he said adding that “injustice and suffering do not recognize borders or communities. We must remain united.”
Gachagua also took aim at the NYOTA cash transfer program, which President Ruto is scheduled to launch in Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa this week.
He accused the President of using the initiative to bolster his political image rather than addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis.
“This program is supported by the World Bank and operates in countries like Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Benin, and Togo. Yet we have not seen their Presidents turn such programs into re-election campaigns,” he said.
The DCP leader challenged Ruto to explain why less than 35 per cent of Northern Kenyans have access to clean drinking water, compared to the national average of 68 per cent.
“Injustice and suffering do not recognize borders or communities. We are and must remain one for all and all for one. The spirit of harambee must guide us,” said the former Deputy President.
He urged the President to declare the ongoing drought a national disaster and provide immediate food and water relief to affected communities.
“All the beans, rice, blankets, and other items being used as campaign tools in Central Kenya should instead be taken to Northern Kenya. It is immoral to cheat populations,” Gachagua said.
“We want to tell William Ruto that as he heads to the North, the problem of Northern Kenya is that of accountability, theft of public resources by leaders that he wines and dines with. He is going to be with these leaders in military choppers blowing dust and wind to a hungry population with no water and food,” he added
