By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
Kenya, 14 May 2026 - Salah Yakub, the outspoken Member of Parliament for Fafi Constituency, has sparked fresh political speculation after making remarks seen as aligning him with the political camp of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The first-term MP, who previously stirred national debate after proposing that President William Ruto be allowed to serve an extended term, has recently intensified criticism of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government.
Speaking in Nanighi within Fafi Constituency, Yakub accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to fulfil key promises made to residents of Garissa County.
He contrasted the current administration’s record with development projects initiated during the presidencies of Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.
The MP suggested that local leaders would no longer support the government blindly without tangible development outcomes.
“You cannot tell me that a power plant producing 50 megawatts is in Balambala Constituency while Balambala town, just 20 kilometres away, still has no electricity,” Yakub said amid applause from residents.
He further cited several regional projects including the Galole and Bura irrigation schemes, the Modogashe-Nunow road, and the LAPSSET corridor project as achievements initiated under previous administrations rather than the current government.
More from Kenya
“Even the power plant is courtesy of Uhuru’s government. The Nunow–Modogashe road was initiated during Kibaki’s tenure, and LAPSSET was also started by Kibaki’s administration,” he said.
Yakub, popularly known locally as 'Hangool', has joined a growing number of North Eastern leaders openly criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that the region has received little despite repeated promises.
The MP also warned President Ruto against relying on individuals claiming they could single-handedly deliver votes from the North Eastern region in the 2027 General Election.
“We will tell our people to vote against you if your promises are not fulfilled. Nobody can claim they alone can deliver Garissa votes, they are misleading you,” he said.
Yakub first attracted nationwide attention in November 2022 when he proposed scrapping Kenya’s presidential two-term limit in favour of an age-based eligibility system, a suggestion that triggered intense constitutional debate across the country.