Kindiki Tells Critics to ‘Stop Politicising Drought’ Amid Row With Gachagua Over Relief Funding

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding the government’s response to the ongoing drought, urging leaders to refrain from politicising humanitarian interventions

Speaking about the state’s drought mitigation programme, Kindiki said relief efforts should not be turned into political battlegrounds, maintaining that the government remains focused on delivering timely and targeted assistance to affected communities

“Those looking for political opportunities in the drought situation are wasting their time. Let them find something else to politicise,” Kindiki said

According to the Deputy President, the government has disbursed more than Ksh.10 billion over the past three months to support drought-hit regions. The funds, he said, have been used to supply food, water, medical supplies, livestock feed and vaccines, as well as other essential non-food items

The intervention is expected to benefit approximately 3.3 million people across 23 counties grappling with the effects of prolonged dry conditions

Kindiki’s remarks follow claims by Gachagua that the government’s allocation to address the drought crisis in northern Kenya is insufficient given the scale of need

Addressing the media at his DCP party offices in Nairobi, Gachagua argued that the Sh4 billion announced for drought response, alongside the Ksh.4.1 billion monthly expenditure approved by Cabinet, falls short of adequately supporting affected populations

 Also read : Ruto Fires Back at Gachagua, Dismisses Him as “Idler” in Drought Response Row

He estimated that the allocation translates to about Ksh.1,200 per person—below the United Nations’ minimum food basket benchmark of Sh2,700 per individual

Gachagua further called on President William Ruto to declare the drought a national disaster, stating that at least 10 counties are in critical condition

In addition, he alleged mismanagement and diversion of relief supplies for political activities, and criticised what he described as excessive government spending, including Ksh.300 million on helicopter use. He also accused the administration of prioritising political interests over public service, claiming State House had been turned into a party headquarters

The government has not issued a detailed response to the latter allegations