A recent meeting organized by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was notably snubbed by a majority of leaders from Kenya’s North and Northeastern regions.
The forum aimed to review development projects funded by the World Bank under the North and North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI), focusing on improving infrastructure and economic growth in counties like Mandera, Garissa, and Marsabit.
However, only a few leaders from counties such as Isiolo, Turkana, and West Pokot attended. Gachagua expressed disappointment, criticizing the absent leaders for failing to represent their constituencies in crucial discussions.
He emphasized that the meeting was a chance for leaders to raise issues affecting their regions, particularly regarding compensation for those displaced by ongoing development projects.
The Deputy President urged leaders to be more involved in the execution of these projects, which aim to alleviate poverty and reduce reliance on emergency aid like food relief and water supplies, particularly in light of frequent droughts and climate challenges​.
The absence of the leaders has sparked discussions about the relationship between the central government and these regions, with some analysts suggesting that tensions may exist between the Deputy President and regional leaders over political and developmental issues.
