President William Ruto has dismissed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s remarks on drought relief food distribution.
Speaking in Mandera on Thursday, the President said Gachagua lacks the moral authority to comment on such matters. He accused his former deputy of politicising relief food and misleading Kenyans about government efforts.
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“You have no moral authority to tell anybody anything on matters of relief food,” Ruto said. He stressed that Gachagua’s criticism comes from a place of personal ambition rather than knowledge of government operations.
Gachagua Accuses Government of Mismanaging Funds
The President reacted after Gachagua accused the government of mismanaging public funds meant for drought relief. Gachagua claimed that the Sh4 billion allocated for drought mitigation was insufficient. He further alleged that leaders from the region misappropriated resources at the expense of vulnerable residents.
Ruto countered these claims, saying his administration has ensured the efficient delivery of relief food to affected communities. “We gave some people the job to do, but they ended up messing up everything and decided to trade in relief food at the expense of vulnerable families,” the President said.
He praised the current Deputy President for overseeing relief food distribution in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties. Ruto said the Deputy President’s role has ensured that food reaches families on time. “For the first time, we have the most comprehensive delivery of relief food in Mandera County, and the Deputy President has played an integral role in ensuring everything runs smoothly,” he said. The President added that Governor Mohamed Khalif confirmed the smooth operations.
Long-Term Solutions to Drought
Ruto explained that drought mitigation involves both short-term and long-term strategies. While relief food and hay for livestock provide immediate relief, the government has implemented measures to address the root causes of water scarcity.
Under the National Infrastructure Fund, Ruto revealed plans to build 50 mega dams, 200 medium-sized dams, and 1,000 micro dams across the country. He said many of these dams will be constructed in the Northeastern region to provide sustainable water sources. The initiative aims to support irrigation and reduce dependence on emergency relief interventions.
The President insisted that these infrastructure projects will help mitigate the recurring droughts in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and other ASAL counties. “These dams will help farmers irrigate their lands and sustain livestock during dry seasons,” he said, stressing that this approach goes beyond short-term fixes.
Strengthening Accountability and Coordination
Ruto also said his government has strengthened coordination among ministries and county governments to ensure timely drought response. Teams on the ground monitor food distribution, and complaints are addressed swiftly to prevent delays.
He warned politicians against using humanitarian programs for political mileage. “Drought and hunger are not tools for politics. Every effort by my administration is aimed at saving lives, not scoring political points,” Ruto said. He noted that public scrutiny of relief programs is welcome but must be factual and fair.
The President challenged Gachagua to acknowledge the work done rather than making unverified claims. He said the government has delivered food, hay, and water to communities facing severe shortages. Ruto emphasised that leaders criticizing relief efforts should first ensure they understand the operations on the ground.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Ruto highlighted that the government’s long-term strategy focuses on climate-resilient infrastructure. The construction of dams is part of a broader vision to create irrigation networks and secure water access for livestock and communities. He said these initiatives will reduce reliance on emergency food deliveries over time.
The President stressed that drought response is a national priority and not confined to one region. His administration has deployed resources across all ASAL counties to ensure equitable distribution. Teams monitor delivery points, and governors assist in coordinating logistics to reach remote communities.
Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable solutions for food security. He said the government will continue to work with county leaders, local communities, and development partners to enhance water conservation, irrigation, and disaster preparedness.
The President’s remarks signal a firm stance against critics who question government drought interventions without facts. He challenged political opponents to focus on solutions rather than spreading unverified allegations that could harm vulnerable communities.
He concluded by promising that the administration will continue its multi-pronged approach to mitigate drought, protect livestock, and safeguard livelihoods. “We will continue to ensure that every family in drought-prone areas has access to relief food, water, and the infrastructure needed to survive and thrive,” Ruto said.
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