12/01/2026
THE X SOCIETY TAKE
By: Mwana Investor () | January 12, 2026 | Paris,France
Former Deputy President calls out corruption in the North, backed by legal heavyweight Ahmednasir Abdullahi, while regional leaders offer little more than denials and calls for unity.
As an investor with a keen eye on Kenya's economic landscape, I've long watched how devolution funds – meant to uplift marginalized regions like Northern Kenya – seem to vanish into thin air. The recent firestorm ignited by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has put this issue front and center, exposing what many see as a betrayal of the people by their own elected officials. Gachagua didn't mince words: he accused leaders from Northern Kenya of looting billions in devolved funds, neglecting basic development, and prioritizing lavish lives in Nairobi over building schools, hospitals, and infrastructure back home
In a bold statement that has reverberated across social media and news outlets, Gachagua claimed these leaders have siphoned off nearly Sh1 trillion since devolution began in 2013, with "nothing to show" for it in their counties.
He pointed out the irony: while they demand access to institutions and opportunities in other parts of Kenya, they've failed to invest in their own regions, leaving communities grappling with poverty, drought, and insecurity.
Gachagua even called for a special audit of these funds and a national debate on equity, urging Northern leaders to "build schools in your area" instead of lecturing others
Adding fuel to the fire, prominent lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi – often called the "Grand Mullah" – broke ranks to validate Gachagua's claims
In a widely shared post on X, Abdullahi agreed that many Northern leaders are "thieves who steal money left, right, and center from their people and invest in Nairobi.”
This endorsement from a respected figure like Abdullahi, who hails from the North himself, lends serious credibility to the accusations and highlights a growing frustration even within the region.
But what about the responses from Northern Kenya's leaders? Frankly, they've been underwhelming and ineffective, doing little to counter the substance of the claims. Some lawmakers dismissed Gachagua's remarks as "egregious" and an "attack on integrity" that undermines national unity
For instance, there's been no robust defense showcasing specific projects funded by those billions – no audits presented, no success stories highlighted to refute the "nothing to show" narrative. Instead, the pushback feels like deflection: focusing on Gachagua's motives or calling his words a "wake-up call" without owning up to potential failures.As an investor, this lack of accountability is alarming. How can we attract private capital to Northern Kenya if leaders can't demonstrate effective use of public funds?
This controversy isn't just political theater; it's a symptom of deeper issues in Kenya's devolution system. Northern counties like Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Marsabit have received massive allocations, yet poverty rates remain sky-high, and infrastructure lags. Gachagua's critique, while blunt, forces a necessary conversation: Are these leaders stewards or exploiters?
As the debate rages on X and beyond, one thing is clear – silence or weak responses won't cut it. Northern leaders need to step up with transparency and results, or risk losing the trust of their people and the nation. What do you think, fellow investors and Kenyans? Is Gachagua spot-on, or is this just more division? Share your views below!
