Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has pledged to end the persistent underdevelopment in Northern Kenya, calling the region’s lag a “grievous wrong” that must be corrected under accountable leadership.

In an X post on January 24, 2026, Musyoka highlighted the failure of devolution to deliver meaningful progress 13 years after its introduction in 2013.

“It is extremely sad that Northern Kenya continues to lag behind 13 years after devolution, not because of a lack of resources, but because leaders choose to take everything for themselves while leaving their people to suffer without schools, hospitals, or even basic infrastructure. Everything is taken to Nairobi, while communities are left in poverty, neglect, and hopelessness,” he stated.

Musyoka emphasised that the problem arises from misallocation rather than scarcity, with public funds reportedly being diverted from local needs. He positioned his coalition as a government in waiting, vowing to ensure that devolution benefits all regions fairly.

“We, as the government in waiting, are making a clear commitment to the people of Northern Kenya. We will right this grievous wrong.

We will ensure that devolution works for you, that public resources are invested where they belong, and that no region is left behind. Northern Kenya deserves dignity, development, and leadership that puts people first,” he added.

Humanitarian and infrastructural gaps

The pledge comes amid growing concern over humanitarian and infrastructural challenges in counties such as Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, and Isiolo.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua raised similar concerns on January 23, 2026, describing conditions in Mandera as “inhuman and degrading”, particularly for women and children facing shortages of food, water, and shelter.

Gachagua noted that these counties have received over one trillion shillings through devolved funds, equalisation grants, and international support since 2013, yet tangible progress remains limited.

“Despite this massive inflow of resources, there is no tangible progress to show on the ground,” he said, accusing some officials of treating public office as personal property and investing in luxury developments in Nairobi instead of local roads, schools, and health facilities.

Bipartisan calls for accountability

Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa backed Gachagua’s appeal, framing the crisis as a national problem rooted in corruption.

On January 24, 2026, Wamalwa posted, X: “Corruption remains the biggest threat to devolution, not just in the North but everywhere in Kenya! This is not a 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!”

He added, “Every sensible politician agrees with Rigathi Gachagua. The thieving leadership of NFD is becoming a national shame… We must help the people of NFD and come to their aid.”