‘Stop politicising drought’: Kindiki hits back at Gachagua over relief claims

Speaking in Garissa, where he is on a three-day tour, Kindiki said the drought intervention programme is being implemented on a targeted basis and will continue until affected communities recover.

“On drought response, in December the President authorized Sh2.5 billion, in January Sh3.5 billion, and recently another Sh4.1 billion — bringing the total to Sh10 billion released so far. Support will continue on a monthly basis until full recovery is achieved,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President said the government’s support package includes food, water, medical supplies, livestock feeds and vaccines, and other non-food items, targeted at an estimated 3.3 million people in 23 counties affected by drought.

He also outlined what he described as longer-term investments meant to reduce the cycle of emergency response in arid and semi-arid areas.

“For the first time, we now have a long-term solution to drought through the National Infrastructure Fund. We are building dams, expanding irrigation, and investing in water harvesting to permanently resolve drought challenges,” Kindiki said.

Kindiki’s remarks come after Gachagua claimed the funding announced by the government to address the drought crisis in northern Kenya was inadequate for the scale of need.

Addressing the media at his DCP party offices in Nairobi, Gachagua said the Sh4 billion announced by the government and the Sh4.1 billion monthly expenditure approved by Cabinet were too little to support the estimated 3.3 million people in urgent need of food and water. 

He argued the spending translates to about Sh1,200 per person, which he said falls below a minimum food basket benchmarked by the United Nations at Sh2,700.

Gachagua called on President William Ruto to declare the drought a national disaster, saying 10 counties were in critical condition. 

He also alleged wastage and diversion of resources, claiming that relief supplies had been moved for political activity and pointing to what he said was excessive government spending, including Sh300 million on helicopter use.

The former deputy president further accused the administration of allowing political considerations to override public service, saying State House had been turned into a party headquarters — claims the government has not immediately addressed in detail.

During his Garissa visit, Kindiki also referenced broader development plans in the North Eastern region, arguing that critics should assess progress on the ground.

“Those who criticize development in North Eastern Kenya should come and see for themselves. Leadership requires understanding the realities on the ground,” he said.

President Ruto is expected to begin a three-day tour of northern Kenya, with one of the scheduled events being a Nyota disbursement forum in Garissa County.