WAJIR— Pastoralist leaders have sharply criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his recent claims that Northeastern Kenya leaders looted over Sh1 trillion in devolution funds since 2013 while failing to develop local schools. The leaders argue that the region’s underdevelopment stems from deliberate post-independence policies, not greed or incompetence.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina led the counterattack, accusing Gachagua of “fake tears” and ethnic populism. “The North didn’t ‘fail to develop’ while Mt Kenya heroically built itself,” Ole Kina stated. “It was underdeveloped by policy design – from Sessional Paper No. 10 to skewed budgets that favoured ‘high-potential’ regions and starved arid counties of roads, schools, and hospitals.” He called Gachagua’s narrative a “myth” that erases 60 years of marginalisation to justify hoarding resources for already developed areas.
Gachagua has defended prioritising Mt Kenya interests, stating: “We will not accept students from some regions, particularly Northeastern counties, to study at national schools in Mt Kenya region.” He contrasted his advocacy for local farmers with Northeastern MPs allegedly defending a mall owner in Eastleigh, and claimed devolved funds were used for “personal projects.”
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi directly challenged Gachagua: “I volunteer to take up Hon. Rigathi Gachagua’s challenge. Let’s compare what devolution money has done in Wajir for the eight years I have been governor with any county of his choice.” He noted that infrastructure like tarmac roads and grid electricity in Gachagua’s home area predates devolution, and criticised the former DP for never visiting Wajir.
I volunteer to take up Hon. Rigathi Gachagua’s challenge. Let’s compare what devolution money (equitable share) has done in Wajir for the 8 years I have been a governor with any county of his choice in any region. Rigathi is free to pick any agency (governmental or non… pic.twitter.com/tKlKKK9l8e
— H.E FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi E.G.H (@HEAhmedJiir) January 10, 2026
Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif questioned the focus on devolution funds: “They are talking about Sh400 billion shared across 47 counties. What happened to the remaining Sh3 trillions?” He added that no Somali leaders featured in major corruption scandals, including the NYS case.
Leaders emphasised national government failures, noting most Northeastern children have never experienced grid electricity. They rejected accusations of defending corruption, insisting the region still lacks its fair share despite devolution.
Ole Kina endorsed a “broad-based government” for fairness and unity, warning against “goalpost-shifting” and tribal politics. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over equitable resource allocation, historical inequities and access to national schools.
