Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations being held in Wajir. He said the county’s residents still grapple with problems in infrastructure, water access, healthcare, security, and other essential public services.
In a statement released on Madaraka Day yesterday, Gachagua argued that the national celebrations should give President William Ruto a chance to explain Wajir’s development progress and respond to the concerns residents raise.
The DCP leader also questioned whether Wajir can genuinely celebrate the national holiday. He said many residents still lack basic needs, even after years of public spending through both national and county governments.
He accused leaders from Northern Kenya of not adequately accounting for the region’s service delivery and demanded that they explain why residents continue to face shortages in education, healthcare, water, and security.
Gachagua added that holding the celebrations in Wajir without first addressing the county’s development challenges sends the wrong message to residents who struggle in their day-to-day lives. He said, “Holding the celebrations in Wajir is mocking them, as they have nothing to celebrate.”
He listed several issues that he said continue to affect Wajir residents. These include the lack of a functioning sewerage system in Wajir town, power rationing, limited access to clean water, and poor road networks connecting the county to other parts of the country.
Gachagua urged President Ruto to use part of his Madaraka Day address to explain what the government has done to improve electricity supply, transport infrastructure, security, trade, agriculture, and social welfare in Wajir.
He also questioned the government’s priorities in the region. He asked whether the government should have focused on projects such as a stadium instead of delivering services that directly affect residents, including water systems, schools, hospitals, and sanitation infrastructure.
The former DP further called on the president to explain how public funds allocated to Wajir have been used since the start of devolution in 2013. He said the president should account for resources transferred to the county government and funds provided through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund.
Gachagua said residents deserve more transparency about public spending and the outcomes of development efforts in the county.
He also raised historical grievances connected to the Wagalla massacre, which he described as one of Kenya’s most controversial security operations. He said the president should acknowledge what happened and assure residents that similar events will never occur again.
In addition, Gachagua challenged the president to reassure Kenyans about the country’s political stability and national security ahead of the next general election.
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