God have mercy: Gachagua Cries
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made a heartfelt appeal regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Mandera and other areas of Northern Kenya. He described the plight of women and children as “inhuman and degrading,” as the relentless drought continues to devastate the region.
In a statement shared on X on Friday, January 23, 2025, the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) expressed his deep concern over the distressing reports coming from the area. He highlighted the daily struggles faced by vulnerable families who are grappling with a lack of food, water, and basic necessities. This came just hours after he spoke with Northern Kenya radio stations from his residence in Karen on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
“God have mercy on these innocent children and women from Mandera,” Gachagua said, adding that the scale of suffering in the North has been ignored for far too lo
He urged Kenyans from every corner of the country to come together in support of the communities in Northern Kenya, emphasizing that their struggles shouldn’t be seen as just a regional concern, but rather a shared national responsibility.
“We must, collectively, without fear, come through for our fellow Kenyans in the northern part of our nation,” he stated.
The former Mathira Member of Parliament didn’t hold back when criticizing local leaders, claiming that while some enjoy a life of luxury, the residents are left to fend for themselves. Gachagua pointed out that the public funds intended for development and drought relief have not made a real difference for the communities that need it most.
“They are going through unspeakable indignity while their leaders wallow in opulence and luxury using taxpayers’ money meant for development in the North,” he said.
Gachagua called on citizens to raise their voices and demand accountability, emphasizing that the people of Northern Kenya deserve dignity, protection, and equal treatment just like every other Kenyan. “I urge all Kenyans to stand up and advocate for the North. They are Kenyans too,” he stated.
Northern Kenya has been facing a dire food crisis due to years of prolonged drought, with humanitarian organizations warning that women and children are bearing the brunt of malnutrition, displacement, and a lack of access to clean water and healthcare.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Gachagua pointed out the significant national resources allocated to address the struggling situation in Northern Kenya. However, he expressed concern that the trillions of shillings in funding are not translating into visible development on the ground.
”The region has been ravaged by underdevelopment, drought, suffering, and entrenched poverty. This tragedy cannot be explained by a lack of resources. Since devolution began in 2013, the counties of Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, and Isiolo have received over one trillion shillings in taxpayer money through national transfers of the equitable share, NG-CDF, equalisation fund, and disbursements from the Kenya Roads Board,” he said.
”Beyond domestic financing, trillions more have flowed into the region through multilateral development finance institutions, bilateral development partners, United Nations agencies, international NGOs, and other international development partners. Yet, despite this massive inflow of resources, there is no tangible progress to show on the ground,” Rigathi Gachagua decried.
”This is not a failure of the people. It is a failure of leadership and accountability. Their leaders have treated public office as a private investment vehicle. They spend most of their time in Nairobi, building apartments in every corner of the city, instead of translating public resources into water, roads, schools, and health facilities for their people back at home,” Gachagua said.
Rigathi Gachagua emphasized that northern Kenya shouldn’t be stuck in a cycle of prolonged suffering. He urged that for true healing to take place, Kenyans need to stand up to their leaders with firmness, fairness, and a fearless attitude.
God have mercy: Gachagua Cries
