Eugene Wamalwa backs Gachagua’s national appeal over deteriorating Northern Kenya
By Faith Lagat, January 24, 2026Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has thrown his weight behind former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s urgent appeal over deteriorating conditions in Northern Kenya.
Wamalwa reframed the crisis as a national issue, warning that corruption remains the biggest threat to devolution across the country, not just in one region.
On January 24, 2026, Wamalwa took to X to support Gachagua’s concerns, stating: “Corruption remains the biggest threat to Devolution not just in the North but everywhere in Kenya! This is not an Northern Frontier District NFD or Mt Kenya issue, it’s not a Somali or Kikuyu issue, it’s a Kenyan issue, it’s an accountability issue!”
The DAP-K leader’s intervention follows Gachagua’s January 23 statement highlighting the humanitarian plight in Mandera and other arid counties.
Gachagua described the situation as “inhuman and degrading,” particularly for women and children, and appealed to the nation for collective solidarity. “God have mercy on these innocent children and women from Mandera,” he said, emphasising that prolonged neglect had left communities struggling for basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.
Massive funds, minimal progress
Gachagua detailed that since the introduction of devolution in 2013, counties in the North, including Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, and Isiolo, have received over one trillion shillings through county allocations, equalisation funds, and other sources, alongside additional support from international partners.
Despite the inflows, he lamented, “Despite this massive inflow of resources, there is no tangible progress to show on the ground.” He accused some officials of treating public office as personal property, investing in luxury apartments in Nairobi while failing to deliver essential services such as water, roads, schools, and health facilities.
Bipartisan call for accountability
Wamalwa reinforced the urgency, aligning with cross-party concerns and viral public discourse. “Every sensible politician agrees with Hon Rigathi Gachagua. The thieving leadership of NFD is becoming a national shame…we must help the people of NFD and come to their aid,” he said.
Gachagua urged citizens to demand responsibility without fear, warning that prolonged neglect cannot continue. “Northern Kenya must not be condemned to further prolonged suffering,” he stressed, calling for firm action to restore equity, heal communities, and uphold the promise of devolution.