Kenya’s former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly criticized leaders from Northern Kenya, saying the time of hiding incompetence behind historical excuses is over.
Speaking at a public event, Gachagua said leaders from the region can no longer blame past government policies for current problems facing their people.
He specifically mentioned Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965, a policy often linked to regional inequalities in development after independence.
Gachagua acknowledged that Northern Kenya has faced real challenges over the years, including marginalization and neglect.
He said the people of the region have been held back by both past governments and local leaders who failed to fight for their interests. However, he insisted that continued use of old policies as excuses is no longer acceptable.
Gachagua's remarks gained traction in January 2026 during public appearances, including a church service in Witima where he questioned the citizenship and priorities of Northern leaders.
He argued that despite receiving substantial allocations through devolution, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), and other programs, counties in North Eastern Kenya such as Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera lack world-class institutions like schools and hospitals.
"These leaders steal from their people and invest public funds in Nairobi," Gachagua stated, pointing to high-rise buildings and malls in areas like Eastleigh and South C as evidence of misappropriated resources.
He further alleged that many of these politicians, including Members of County Assembly (MCAs), reside permanently in Nairobi with no meaningful ties or investments back home.