Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged President William Ruto to declare the ongoing drought in northern Kenya a national disaster.

Speaking during an interview with Northeastern local media stations on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the former Deputy President faulted the Head of State for what he termed as slow action in addressing the escalating famine currently ravaging the northern regions.

Gachagua called on the President to officially declare the drought a national disaster so that it can attract donor funding and emergency humanitarian support to help curb the crisis, which is now entering its third month.

“Please, Ruto, think about your fellow human beings in Garrisa, Mandera, Wajir, and Isiolo in Tana River. Because of hunger, declare this a national disaster to attract funding.” Gachagua stated

Drawing from his experience while serving as Deputy President, Gachagua stated that emergency services such as drought response were under his docket and that he always acted with speed whenever such crises emerged. He noted that he never allowed drought situations to persist beyond two months without decisive intervention.

He further explained that during the 2023 drought, he personally visited the northern region to assess the situation on the ground and held urgent meetings with donors, non-governmental organisations, development banks, and local leaders to formulate response strategies to support affected communities.

Slamming Kindiki

Gachagua also took issue with his successor, Kithure Kindiki, stating that it is his responsibility to move swiftly to address the crisis in the north.

However, according to Gachagua, Kindiki is more focused on politics and chanting his “fire si fire” slogan at the expense of the suffering population.

“Kindiki anazunguka hapa akisema sijui fire si fire, noma si noma, sijui mbegwse mambo ya ujinga.”

Faulting Northeastern leaders

He further faulted leaders from the northern region for maintaining silence as their constituents continue to endure the devastating effects of the prolonged drought.

“Kitu kingine hawa watetezi wa watu viongozi wa Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Turkana, and Marsabit wamenyamaza hawaongei wamenyamaza sasa ni mimi ndio naongea,” Gachagua stated.

He vowed to continue speaking for the northern communities, saying that he will open communication channels where he will be exposing leaders from the north.