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Ruto, Kindiki defend government's track record in northern Kenya
President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki inspect the Kulamawe–Garbatulla section of the 750km Isiolo–Mandera Road under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project on February 11,2026.
President William Ruto has dismissed criticism from his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, over the government’s development record in northern Kenya, branding the opposition leader an “idler”.
Speaking at Garissa High School during the disbursement of Sh63 million in grants to more than 2,500 young beneficiaries, Dr Ruto defended his decision to personally lead youth empowerment forums, saying his priority was job creation and financial inclusion, not politics.
“The one trying to tell me to do another job is an idler. You have no work to do. Your work is to roam around shouting nonsense. Then you have the audacity to lecture me,” Dr Ruto said.
His remarks followed Mr Gachagua’s accusation that the president had neglected the north during the ongoing drought. Dr Ruto countered that his administration had undertaken several initiatives to end historical marginalisation in the region.
“No one complains when I visit other counties, but when I come to the north eastern region, they start making noise because they want this region to remain discriminated against,” he said. “Under my administration, youth in north eastern Kenya can apply for IDs without delays. Construction of the Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo and Isiolo-Mandera roads is on course.”
Dr Ruto also highlighted infrastructure progress, noting that Garissa is already connected to the national grid, with Wajir and Mandera scheduled for connection by June. He said the region would host Madaraka Day celebrations for the first time, signalling his commitment to correcting historical injustices.
The president took aim at opposition leaders, accusing them of lacking a track record, vision, or plan for the country.
“Every leader must be judged by their achievements. We have a clear record in improving the economy, food security, education and health. Our opponents rely on bitterness and tribalism. They have nothing to offer the future,” he said.
President William Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki during the NYOTA Start-up capital disbursement at Garissa High School on February 11,2026.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended the government’s response to the drought, noting that over Sh10 billion had been allocated for relief programmes. He cited the National Infrastructure Fund, which will support dam construction to irrigate more than two million acres, and warned against politicising the crisis.
Prof Kindiki also criticised Mr Gachagua, saying he had “run out of political fortunes even in his backyard”.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale echoed the defence, accusing the previous administration of marginalising the north. “Gachagua and Matiang’i have no moral authority to lecture us. As Interior minister, Matiang’i shut Garissa’s only passport office, undermining our youth’s education and denying the region proper census representation,” Mr Duale said.
On the Nyota programme, Dr Ruto reaffirmed his hands-on involvement, insisting the initiative’s focus on youth empowerment, financial inclusion, and job creation was central to his presidency.
“There are people advising me to delegate this role, but I attend Nyota forums because young people matter to me. Those who do not value the youth should give us a break,” he said.
