By Staff Writer | Wajir Today | Monday, 12 January 2026
Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow has sharply rejected Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi’s endorsement of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent remarks about leadership and service delivery in Northern Kenya.
In a tweet, Kerrow described Ahmednasir’s response as “misplaced,” outlining what he said are major misconceptions about the region’s development.
“This is misplaced. First, Devolution funds that have gone to 5 counties in the North are about a half of the 1 trillion bandied around,” Kerrow said.
He added that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has played a key role in the region’s infrastructure.
“CDF has been used in the region to put up hundreds of schools which were largely non-existent before. Its fair to say nearly 90% of the schools were built after CDF came. Education isn’t a county function. County govts in the region however continue to support schools in several ways, including bursaries.”
Kerrow also defended county hospitals built in Northern Kenya, pointing to management challenges rather than neglect.
“Many hospitals have been built by the counties. The challenge is poor management and lack of adequate drugs, same in most counties,” he said.
The former senator highlighted the region’s heavy reliance on devolved funds, noting that the National Government retains 85% of the country’s budget.
“The fact being glossed over is that the region is entirely dependent on devolved funds, with little from National Government. Its the reason the region lacks tarmac roads, power connection to the national grid, water supply in major towns, national schools and major hospitals,” Kerrow said.
He also criticised allegations of corruption aimed at Northern Kenyan leaders.
“Regarding corruption, it’s the case of the pot calling the kettle black. Corruption is pervasive in the entire public service”
The exchange comes after Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi expressed support for Gachagua’s comments about Northern Kenyan leadership and service delivery.
In a tweet, Ahmednasir agreed with the former deputy president’s critique of regional leaders.
“Hon Rigathi Gachagua is right when he says Northern Kenya leaders are thieves who steal from their people and invest public funds in Nairobi, can’t account for about Kshs 1 trillion given to the region since devolution started in 2013 and have not built world class institutions” Ahmednasir said.
He questioned the fate of billions allocated under devolution. “Gachagua is playing politics, but when he talks about Northern Kenyan leaders and how they have let down their people he is being truthful and I’m with him,” he added.
