Garissa, Kenya – President William Ruto on Wednesday sharply criticised his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, in an escalating political spat over the government’s handling of the drought crisis in northern Kenya.
Speaking during a public address in Garissa, Ruto dismissed Gachagua as an “idler” and questioned his ability to plan or deliver development programmes. He suggested that Gachagua’s focus was political rather than practical, saying his agenda amounted to “Kasongo must go” a phrase often used by critics calling for Ruto’s removal from office.
Gachagua’s Criticism of Government Response
The remarks appeared to be a direct response to Gachagua’s recent attacks on the Kenya Kwanza administration. The former deputy president accused the government of moving too slowly to provide emergency assistance as communities in northern Kenya grapple with severe shortages of food and water.
Gachagua argued that the region has been neglected, with residents facing worsening hardship. He criticised the scale of funding set aside for drought mitigation, saying it was insufficient to meet the needs of an estimated 3.3 million people requiring food and water assistance.
At a press briefing at his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) offices in Nairobi, Gachagua pointed to the government’s announced allocation Sh4 billion and a Sh4.1 billion monthly expenditure approved by Cabinet as inadequate. He calculated that the spending translates to about Sh1,200 per person, below the United Nations benchmark of Sh2,700 for a minimum food basket.
He also called on Ruto to declare the drought a national disaster, noting that at least 10 counties are in critical condition.
Allegations of Misuse of Resources
Gachagua further alleged misuse of public resources, claiming that emergency supplies had been diverted for political activity. He criticised what he described as excessive government expenditure, including spending on helicopters, at a time when drought-stricken communities are in urgent need of relief.
Ruto’s Northern Kenya Tour
President Ruto is expected to begin a three-day tour of northern Kenya, with one of the first events being a Nyota disbursement forum in Garissa County. The tour comes amid mounting pressure on the government to demonstrate tangible action in addressing the drought crisis.
Conclusion
The sharp exchange between Ruto and Gachagua underscores the political and humanitarian stakes surrounding Kenya’s drought response. As millions face food and water shortages, the debate highlights both the urgency of relief efforts and the deepening rift between the president and his former deputy.
