By Abdihakim Siyad
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has concluded a historic tour across North Eastern Kenya, presiding over economic empowerment programs in Lafey, Wajir, Elwak, and Modogashe (Lagdera Constituency), marking a major shift in the region’s development and political posture.
The government unveiled a massive portfolio of projects aimed at uplifting communities long affected by marginalization and insecurity. Central to the announcement was the 750-kilometer Isiolo–Mandera Highway, the largest road project in Kenya’s history, valued at Ksh 100 billion, expected to open up the vast north for trade, security, and integration. The Lamu–Garissa–Isiolo LAPSSET corridor is also underway, stretching 315 kilometers and costing Ksh 27 billion.
In Lafey, which hosted its first-ever government empowerment program, the government announced the construction of bitumen-standard roads. At the same time, 637 households will be connected to electricity under the Ksh 155 million Last Mile Connectivity Program. The town is also among 400 selected nationally to receive modern ESP markets to boost trade.
Meanwhile in Wajir, the government unveiled an even larger investment over Ksh 3 billion to connect 18,544 households to electricity, construct eight ESP markets, and develop affordable housing units and student hostels for local institutions.
In Elwak, Deputy President Kindiki confirmed that the Elwak Hybridization Power Plant is already 90% complete, with a value of Ksh 538 million, while an additional Ksh 78 million will connect 314 more households to electricity.
In Modogashe, Lagdera Constituency, the empowerment program included the allocation of Ksh 380 million to connect 2,100 households, part of a wider Ksh 1.7 billion investment in Garissa County’s last-mile power program, targeting 7,200 homes. Simultaneously, the government is constructing four hybrid power plants in Merti (Isiolo), Habaswein and Eldas (Wajir), and Elwak (Mandera) to address the region’s historical energy challenges.
However, beyond physical infrastructure, the Deputy President made a major policy announcement that resonated deeply with residents: the abolition of the long-criticized vetting process for ID cards and passports.
“The President signed that proclamation right here. From now on, the process will be uniform for all Kenyans, whether in Nairobi or Mandera,” he declared.
He added:
“The previous discriminatory procedures that denied people in this region access to birth certificates, national identity cards, and passports are gone. North Eastern is Kenya, and Kenya is North Eastern.”
The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause, but the events soon took a political turn.
Leaders from across the region used the platform not only to show unity but also to respond to recent controversial remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged President Ruto had colluded with terror groups during a past Mandera visit. The comments drew swift and sharp condemnation.
Leading the rebuttal was National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who strongly defended the community:
“The comments made by the former Deputy President were reckless and insulting to the Somali community. Somalis are patriotic, hardworking Kenyans. Labeling them as terrorists amounts to political terrorism, and we will not allow such divisive language in a country striving for unity.”
Echoing the same sentiments, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, a senior ODM official, went a step further by publicly endorsing President Ruto’s leadership:
“If you were looking for a pastoralist president, then William Ruto is that leader. In 2027, he doesn’t need to campaign in this region.”
He went on to suggest:
“I will work towards a collaboration between Raila Odinga and Ruto. That’s what’s best for our people.”
In addition, Dadaab MP Farah Maalim expressed his support by high
