Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sharply criticised Mandera County leaders over what he termed a grave failure of leadership and accountability, following a tense Senate hearing into the use of drought relief funds in the region.
In a statement issued after the session, Gachagua claimed that approximately Sh202 billion had been sent to Mandera County between 2013 and 2025, comprising exchequer allocations, development funds and foreign aid.
Despite the alleged substantial funding, Gachagua claims residents continue to endure extreme drought conditions, with widespread hunger, water shortages and loss of livestock.
Senate Grills Mandera Governor
During the Senate hearing, Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif came under intense scrutiny from senators over several questionable expenditures linked to drought mitigation.
Among the issues raised was an alleged Sh55.9 million expenditure on seedlings sourced from a drought relief fund, an expense senators said lacked sufficient documentation or evidence on the ground.
The Lawmakers also questioned payments for vehicle repairs not listed in approved budgets and claims that cash transfer funds meant for vulnerable residents were diverted.
The Senate committee expressed concern that critical resources meant to cushion residents during recurring droughts may have been misused, contributing to the worsening humanitarian situation in the county.
Gachagua Weighs In
In his post, Gachagua framed the crisis as a moral and ethical failure, not just an administrative one.
“Leadership is not a privilege granted for personal gain; it is a sacred responsibility entrusted for the protection of human life and dignity,” he wrote.
He warned that the deteriorating conditions in North Eastern Kenya demand urgent introspection and decisive action from those in power.
“Today, conditions in the region have deteriorated so severely that even camels—animals that have evolved to endure some of the harshest environments on planet earth—are dying from thirst and hunger. If this is the fate of such resilient creatures, what hope remains for human beings in the region?”
Gachagua further cautioned the leaders that accountability extends beyond public office, invoking moral and spiritual responsibility for the suffering of residents.
“For the leaders of North Eastern Kenya know, beyond any doubt, that accountability does not end in this world. Divine justice is inevitable, and you shall account for the tears of all those whose suffering and pain you have caused,” he added.
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