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By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
31 January 2026 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stark warning over the deepening humanitarian crisis in North Eastern Kenya, accusing local leaders of neglect and urging the government to take urgent action to save lives.
In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua said the situation in the region had reached a breaking point, with drought conditions so severe that even camels — animals known for surviving extreme environments — are dying from hunger and thirst.
“Leadership is not a privilege granted for personal gain; it is a sacred responsibility entrusted for the protection of human life and dignity,” he said, calling for “an honest conversation, self reflection and urgent action.”
Gachagua painted a grim picture of daily life in the region, saying vulnerable groups are bearing the heaviest burden.
“Orphans go hungry. Widows cry out in silence and in excruciating pain. The sick are denied even the most basic medical care,” he said, blaming what he described as greed and neglect by those in leadership positions.
Quoting the Holy Qur’an, Gachagua warned leaders against misusing public resources meant to serve communities, saying accountability goes beyond earthly power and titles.
“Power has a way of deceiving its holders into believing that the consequences of their wrongdoing can be avoided,” he said, adding that “on Yaumul Qiyamah, ill-gotten wealth will offer no refuge and earthly titles will carry no weight.”
He further cautioned leaders in North Eastern Kenya that, in his words, “accountability does not end in this world,” and that they would ultimately answer for the suffering of the people. “The question will not be how powerful one was, but how just and true they were to the trust bestowed upon them,” he said.
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The statement comes against the backdrop of figures showing that Mandera County alone has received approximately Sh202 billion in development-related funding over the years from the Exchequer, Treasury allocations, equalisation funds, CDF, and support from international donors and development partners.
Despite these investments, Gachagua argued that living conditions in parts of the region remain dire, a situation he said demands both political and moral accountability.
He called on the national government to immediately declare the ongoing drought a national disaster and to mobilise all available resources to address the crisis.
“We call upon the Government to urgently declare the ongoing drought a national disaster and to mobilise all available resources to save lives,” he said.
Gachagua also appealed to the international community and development partners to step in with immediate humanitarian assistance to ease the suffering of affected communities.
As drought tightens its grip on North Eastern Kenya, his remarks add pressure on both county and national leaders to explain how resources have been used — and what is being done now to prevent further loss of life.
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