Gachagua Delivers Scathing Madaraka Day Critique Over Wajir Celebrations and Northern Kenya Development Gaps

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a strongly worded statement criticizing the decision to hold this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County, accusing the government of ignoring deep-seated development and governance challenges facing residents in Northern Kenya.

Speaking in a tone of sharp rebuke, Gachagua questioned the symbolism of hosting national celebrations in a region he described as grappling with severe infrastructural and social deficits, arguing that the move amounted to “mockery” rather than inclusion.

He pointed to persistent challenges in Wajir County, including lack of a functional sewerage system, intermittent electricity supply, poor road networks, and chronic water shortages. According to him, these conditions reflect long-standing neglect despite years of devolution funding and national development allocations.

Gachagua further challenged the government to account for what he termed as substantial financial inflows to counties since the introduction of devolution in 2013, as well as Constituency Development Fund allocations, questioning why basic services in the region remain inadequate.

He also raised concerns about broader national governance issues, including insecurity, food systems, and social protection, arguing that many communities continue to experience hardship despite repeated government promises of development.

In his remarks, the former Deputy President called on President William Ruto to directly address residents of Wajir during the celebrations, urging him to explain the state of public services and infrastructure in the region and to acknowledge the lived realities of residents.

He posed pointed rhetorical questions on development priorities, contrasting investment in public events and infrastructure such as stadiums with what he described as more urgent needs including clean water, healthcare, and education facilities.

Gachagua also urged national reflection on historical injustices, referencing the Wagalla massacre, calling for assurances that such tragedies would never recur. He extended the warning to future electoral cycles, cautioning against the possibility of politically motivated violence.

Beyond criticism, he demanded transparency on development spending in the region and called for accountability in how public funds have been utilized since the onset of devolution.

Concluding his remarks, Gachagua described the broader national situation as one marked by economic strain and governance failures, arguing that many citizens across the country have little reason to celebrate during this year’s Madaraka Day.

His statement is expected to add political heat to this year’s national celebrations, particularly given the decision to hold the event in a historically marginalized region.