In a post on X dated January 31, 2026, Gachagua described the situation as a failure of leadership and accountability, warning that the crisis had reached alarming levels.
“Leadership is not a privilege granted for personal gain; it is a sacred responsibility entrusted for the protection of human life and dignity,” he wrote.
He said conditions had worsened to the point that even camels, animals adapted to survive extreme environments, were 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?” Gachagua asked.
He further highlighted the plight of vulnerable groups, noting that orphans were going hungry, widows were suffering in silence, and the sick were unable to access basic medical care due to neglect by those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
Rising humanitarian needs
The drought has intensified across North Eastern Kenya, with reports indicating more than 25,000 livestock deaths in Mandera County alone by early January 2026. Malnutrition cases are rising sharply, particularly among children, pregnant women, and the elderly, as food and water shortages deepen.
Residents have been forced to dispose of dead animals to prevent disease outbreaks, highlighting the severity of the crisis in pastoralist communities heavily dependent on livestock for survival.
While demanding accountability from regional leaders, Gachagua appealed to the international community and development partners to provide immediate humanitarian assistance.
He said urgent action was needed to support affected families, restore access to food and water, and prevent further loss of life as the drought continues to worsen.
Accountability and resource concerns
Gachagua referenced Qur’anic warnings on the misuse of public resources, stressing that accountability extends beyond this world. “Divine Justice is inevitable and you shall account for the tears of all those whose suffering and pain you have caused,” he stated.
Accompanying the post was an infographic compiled by Gachagua detailing an estimated Sh202 billion disbursed to Mandera County between 2013 and 2025.
According to the data, the funds included Ksh10.6 billion from the Constituency Development Fund, Ksh1.2 billion from the Equalisation Fund, Ksh128.6 billion in Exchequer and Treasury allocations, and Ksh61.7 billion from the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, and development partners.
He said the figures raised questions about accountability and service delivery, while emphasising that immediate humanitarian needs must be addressed to protect lives.
