Northern Kenya row: Kindiki says Gachagua should have acted while still in office

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has criticised his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, over his remarks on the government’s response to the ongoing drought in northern Kenya.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Kindiki In his remarks, took direct aim at Gachagua’s recent criticism of the government’s drought response, saying support for Northern Kenya should have been demonstrated while in office.

“Talk is cheap. Northern Kenya needed your goodwill and solidarity when you held big office, not now when you are out.”

In a separate post, he added: “You were sacked as a District Officer (DO) for stealing food meant for drought relief, you have no moral authority to give lectures on drought mitigation.”

Political exchange over drought

The remarks follow Gachagua’s recent calls for President William Ruto to declare the drought a national disaster to unlock emergency funding and donor support.

Speaking to media outlets in the northeastern region last month, Gachagua faulted the government for what he termed slow response to the crisis in counties including Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo and Tana River.

“Please, Ruto, think about your fellow human beings in Garrisa, Mandera, Wajir, and Isiolo in Tana River. Because of hunger, declare this a national disaster to attract funding.” Gachagua stated

Drawing from his experience while serving as Deputy President, Gachagua stated that emergency services such as drought response were under his docket and that he always acted with speed whenever such crises emerged.

He noted that he never allowed drought situations to persist beyond two months without decisive intervention. He further explained that during the 2023 drought, he personally visited the northern region to assess the situation on the ground and held urgent meetings with donors, non-governmental organisations, development banks and local leaders to coordinate response strategies for affected communities.

However, Kindiki dismissed the claims, maintaining that leadership on drought mitigation should be judged by actions taken while in office rather than statements made after leaving government.

Drought situation in affected counties

The drought, attributed to failed rains, has affected more than 20 counties, with arid and semi-arid areas bearing the brunt. Humanitarian agencies have warned of worsening conditions in several regions.

The Kenya Red Cross has cited counties such as Marsabit, Mandera and Turkana among those facing heightened vulnerability. Communities in affected areas continue to experience water shortages, livestock deaths and food insecurity.

Relief efforts have included food distribution, water trucking and support to pastoralist households.

The government has maintained that mitigation measures are ongoing, supported by early warning systems that monitor rainfall patterns, vegetation and livestock health.