Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has supported ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent concerns over the slow pace of development in Northern Kenya, blaming leadership failures rather than lack of resources for the region’s persistent challenges.
Speaking during a public engagement, Kalonzo said it was “extremely sad” that Northern Kenya continues to lag behind more than 13 years after the introduction of devolution, despite receiving substantial public funding. He argued that corruption and poor governance have denied residents access to essential services such as schools, hospitals, and basic infrastructure.
According to Kalonzo, resources meant for the region are routinely diverted to Nairobi or lost through mismanagement, leaving communities trapped in poverty, neglect, and hopelessness.
He stated that leaders have failed the people by prioritising personal gain over service delivery, a situation he said must change if the country is to achieve equitable development.
Positioning himself as part of a “government in waiting,” Kalonzo committed to addressing historical marginalisation in Northern Kenya if elected to power. He pledged to ensure devolution works as intended, with public funds invested directly in local development projects.
“Northern Kenya deserves dignity, development, and leadership that puts people first,” Kalonzo said, adding that no region should be left behind in Kenya’s development agenda.
His remarks come amid renewed national debate over the effectiveness of devolution and accountability among county leadership in historically marginalised regions.
Sentiments concurring with Gachagua’s argument that leaders from that region especially governors and MPs were busy buying prime plots in the city and developing them using stolen devolution funds.