Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has threatened to sue former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks linking him to a multi-billion-shilling residential project in Nairobi’s Parklands area.
Gachagua’s Allegations
Speaking during an interview with Northern Kenya media on Thursday evening, Gachagua launched a blistering attack on Governor Khalif, alleging that he was behind the construction of 120 flats near Parklands, a project he estimated to cost Ksh.2.4 billion.
He questioned the source of funds for the development, contrasting it with what he described as persistent underdevelopment in Mandera County.
“The cost of building a flat in Nairobi is about Ksh.20 million alafu inauzwa Ksh.30 million. That is a cost of Ksh.2.4 billion. Huyu Governor alikuwa Speaker juzi, hiyo pesa ametoa wapi?” Gachagua posed.
The former DP further painted a grim picture of Mandera, alleging that some children still study under trees due to a lack of schools. He argued that even if the money was privately acquired, the Governor had a moral obligation to invest in his home county.
“Ata kama hii Ksh.2.4 billion ni pesa yako unajenga flats hapa, si uonee watu wa nyumbani huruma uchukue Ksh.50 million pekee yake out of Ksh.2.4 billion uende ujenge kashule kazuri watoto wenu wa hapo nyumbani wasomee,” he said.
Governor Khalif’s Response
In a strongly worded post on his X account, Governor Khalif dismissed Gachagua’s claims, accusing him of dishonesty and political bitterness.
“For the record: Gachagua is a confused, loose-tongued old man, reeling from the impeachment and the recent by-elections,” Khalif wrote.
He clarified that the land matter was already before the court, limiting his ability to comment publicly. However, he stressed that he purchased the land long before assuming office.
“I bought the said land in 2020 way before I became the Governor of Mandera, from a senior leader from Murima, a decent person not a crook like him. The former owner lived in the plot for over four decades,” he stated.
Khalif further threatened to take legal action against Gachagua, describing him as a “rogue and bitter man.”
Ongoing Legal Dispute
The remarks come amid an ongoing legal battle over the Parklands land. Earlier this week, the Environment and Land Court allowed Governor Khalif to continue with the project after dismissing an application by North Highridge Primary School, which sought to halt construction.
The school argued that the land formed part of its original property and asked for police enforcement to stop further development. However, Justice Christine Ochieng ruled that the evidence presented was incomplete.
“Looking at the documents the plaintiffs have presented, I note they provided a history of the disputed land but failed to file any documents to support their claim on the suit land,” the judge said.
Court Records
Court documents show that Governor Khalif purchased the land, registered as LR No 209/21526, in February 2021 for Ksh.140 million. Construction of the 10-storey residential development with 160 housing units began in 2024 and intensified in March 2025.
Conclusion
The escalating war of words between Governor Khalif and Rigathi Gachagua highlights the intersection of politics, development, and legal disputes in Kenya’s urban property market. As the Parklands case continues in court, Khalif’s threat of legal action against Gachagua adds another layer of tension to an already contentious issue.
