Gachagua urges Gov't to declare drought in North Eastern a national disaster

Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has called on the government to urgently declare the ongoing drought in North Eastern Kenya a national disaster, warning that residents are facing severe hunger, thirst and lack of medical care.

In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, Gachagua criticised leaders in the region, accusing them of neglecting vulnerable communities and failing in their responsibility to protect lives and livelihoods.

He claimed the situation had deteriorated to alarming levels, with livestock dying due to lack of food and water, a sign, he noted, of the worsening humanitarian crisis.

“Leadership is not a privilege for personal gain but a responsibility to protect human life and dignity. Judged by this standard and its wisdom, the situation in North Eastern Kenya demands an honest conversation, self reflection and urgent action,” he said, urging leaders to prioritise the needs of the people.

Gachagua highlighted the plight of orphans, widows and the sick, saying many families are going without food and basic healthcare because of what he described as greed and poor governance.

“Today, conditions in the region have deteriorated so severely that even camels, animals that have evolved over time to endure some of the harshest environments on planet earth, are dying from thirst and hunger. If this is the fate of such resilient and adaptable creatures, what hope remains for human beings in the region?” He posed.

“Orphans go hungry. Widows cry out in silence and in excruciating pain. The sick are denied even the most basic medical care, because of the greed and neglect of those entrusted with leadership.”

The DCP leader further appealed to the national government to mobilise all available resources to address the crisis and save lives.

He also called on the international community and development partners to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to affected communities.

“Even as we demand accountability and continue to firmly hold the leaders of North Eastern Kenya responsible for neglecting the Ummah, we call upon the Government to urgently declare the ongoing drought a national disaster and to mobilize all available resources to save lives,” said Gachagua.

“We further appeal to the International Community and Development Partners to step in and provide immediate humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.”