Northern Kenya’s drought crisis has reignited a fierce political debate, with former Chief Justice David Maraga accusing President William Ruto of failing to grasp the realities faced by residents and relying on superficial gestures during visits. The escalating dispute highlights growing tension over relief measures, development projects, and government priorities in the region.
Maraga, who is seeking the presidency, criticised the President on Wednesday through social media, claiming that Ruto’s engagement with local communities relies on orchestrated rallies rather than direct interaction with the people most affected by drought and underdevelopment.
“Let us be clear. The issues raised by former DP Gachagua on the neglect of our people in North Eastern Kenya: the drought, the absence of roads, lack of electricity, inadequate water and lack of opportunities for our young people, are all legitimate. I have witnessed this first hand during my on-going road trip in the region, the #UkatibaCaravan,” Maraga said.
He added that the President’s approach leaves him out of touch with the urgent needs on the ground.
“Of course, you would not know this, President Ruto, because you fly to the region in helicopters and address manufactured crowds where you only give the microphone to pre-arranged speakers like Duale to speak. You do not engage directly with our people. You are out of touch.”
The comments coincided with the start of Ruto’s three-day tour in Northern Kenya, beginning in Garissa, amid worsening drought conditions affecting millions. Residents in the region continue to face food shortages, water scarcity, and the threat of livestock deaths, raising concerns about the sufficiency of government interventions.
During the visit, Ruto pushed back against criticism from Gachagua, who accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of delaying or failing to implement key development projects in the north.
“I’ve heard some people say I should have cancelled this tour to focus on other things. I want to tell them to focus on those other things instead,” the President said.
“That idler trying to lecture me has no capacity to plan anything, execute any development projects or programmes. His sole agenda is ‘Kasongo must go’,” he added, referencing a chant by critics focused on his removal rather than solutions for the drought crisis.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended the government’s drought response, stressing the importance of keeping relief efforts free from political disputes.
“Those looking for political opportunities in the drought situation are wasting their time,” Kindiki said. He added that over Sh10 billion has been disbursed in the past three months to provide food, water, medical supplies, livestock feed, vaccines, and other essentials to roughly 3.3 million people across 23 counties.
Gachagua maintained that the government’s response remains inadequate. Speaking from his DCP party offices in Nairobi, he cited a Sh4 billion allocation alongside a Sh4.1 billion monthly expenditure approved by Cabinet, which he calculated amounts to about Sh1,200 per person—well below the United Nations minimum food basket standard of Sh2,700 per individual.
He urged the government to declare the drought a national disaster, noting that at least ten counties require urgent assistance.
Gachagua also alleged that public resources meant for relief had been diverted for political activities, while he criticised what he described as lavish government spending on helicopter travel and other non-essential items.
During the Garissa visit, Ruto inspected the Garissa Airstrip, affordable housing projects, and presided over the disbursement of Sh63 million in NYOTA funds to 2,520 youths.
The political debate intensified when Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale challenged Gachagua to a televised discussion on development in North Eastern Kenya, suggesting Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange Live as the platform.
“I am challenging Gachagua to a debate on development in the North Eastern region. President Ruto, leave him to me. I will deal with him,” Duale said, critiquing Gachagua’s recent statements on devolution and development.
Ruto, however, discouraged escalation, urging allies to focus on the government’s agenda rather than political bickering.
“I want to tell my friend Aden Duale, those who know English normally say, ‘Don’t argue with a fool; people will not know the difference,’” the President said to laughter and applause.
“Let us not waste our time. We have an agenda for this nation and a programme.”
Earlier in January, Gachagua also criticised the pace of investment in public institutions in Northern Kenya, arguing that despite significant devolution allocations since 2013, development has lagged. He emphasised that local leaders should focus on building institutions that benefit both the region and the nation.
The current standoff underscores the tension between government spending, relief delivery, and political accountability as Northern Kenya grapples with a worsening drought.
