Prominent lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has publicly supported Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s criticism of Northern Kenya leaders over alleged corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
Speaking on social media, Ahmednasir said Gachagua’s remarks were accurate and long overdue.
He claimed that since the start of devolution in 2013, Northern Kenya leaders have failed to account for approximately Ksh 1 trillion allocated to the region.
“These leaders have not invested in building schools, hospitals, or other critical institutions for their people,” Ahmednasir said.
He accused local politicians, including Members of County Assembly, of misappropriating CDF and other public funds.
According to Ahmednasir, most of these leaders maintain their homes, families, and business interests in Nairobi rather than in their constituencies.
“They have wives, children, and properties only in Nairobi, showing little connection to the communities they claim to serve,” he added.
The lawyer praised Gachagua for speaking out, calling it a necessary wake-up call for transparency in Northern Kenya.
He also urged citizens to demand accountability from leaders who prioritize personal wealth over development projects.
Ahmednasir said the culture of corruption has deep roots and requires collective action from residents and civil society to address it.
He further called on Northern Kenya leaders to return misappropriated funds and focus on building infrastructure that benefits ordinary citizens.
Gachagua had earlier criticized the leadership in Northern Kenya for investing heavily in properties in Nairobi instead of addressing local development needs.
The Deputy President argued that this trend has left the region with minimal growth despite billions in public funds being allocated over the years.
Analysts say the remarks could spark political debates ahead of upcoming elections, with Gachagua’s supporters applauding his stance on accountability.
Ahmednasir’s backing adds weight to the criticism, reinforcing the call for transparency and proper use of devolved funds.
Northern Kenya, known for its vast arid lands, has often faced scrutiny for lagging behind in infrastructure, healthcare, and education despite government allocations.
Residents in some counties have expressed frustration over slow development and alleged misuse of resources by local politicians.
Experts say restoring trust will require rigorous auditing of funds and direct engagement with local communities to ensure projects are implemented.
This latest exchange highlights the growing tension between national leaders and regional political elites over accountability and public service delivery in Northern Kenya.
