Wajir South MP Mohammed Adow criticises government over marginalisation in Northern Kenya
Mohammed delivered impassioned remarks during the 75th anniversary of the Human Rights Declaration in Kamukunji Constituency, shedding light on what he termed as decades-long neglect of the North Eastern counties by the Kenyan government.
Wajir South MP Mohammed Adow delivered impassioned remarks during the 75th anniversary of the Human Rights Declaration in Kamukunji Constituency, shedding light on what he termed as decades-long neglect of the North Eastern counties by the Kenyan government.
Mohammed's speech highlighted the dire situation faced by his constituency, emphasizing the stark absence of vital supplies for 25 consecutive days due to the deplorable state of the roads. Expressing dismay, he questioned the lack of essential infrastructure for the Northern counties, raising doubts about their fair treatment as Kenyan citizens.
The emotionally charged MP emphasised the havoc wreaked by El Niño floods, leaving residents in abysmal living conditions. In a bold challenge to the government's inaction, Adow warned that the forthcoming 60th anniversary of Kenya's independence would hold no cause for celebration in Northern Kenya if immediate action was not taken.
Wajir South MP Mohammed Adow (Photo: Kelvin Muthoni)
Drawing attention to the perilous condition of the road between Garissa and Mandera county, Mohammed rallied support, urging the population to take matters into their own hands if no contractor was visible by mid-next year to initiate road construction, emphasizing the road's catastrophic state, especially during rainfall.
"If you don't see any contractor on this road by mid next year, it will be time for each and everyone from North Eastern to take matters into his hand," he asserted.
Umulkheir Harun, a nominated MP, addressing Parliament on Wednesday, linked the road's poor state to constant Al Shabaab attacks. Harun highlighted the vulnerability caused by the road's lack of tarmac, attributing it to the ease with which explosives were planted. She emphasised the stark difference in security levels between tarmac and untarmacked roads.
Additionally, Harun disclosed the disproportionate allocation of funds, revealing that while some counties in other regions received over 180 billion shillings for road infrastructure, counties like Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir received insufficient support, exacerbating the disparity in infrastructure development.
The discussion on social media surrounding the marginalization of North Eastern Kenya has gained traction, with some elected MPs accusing the government of neglect while others, led by Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Kenyan, point fingers at the region's leadership. This has sparked a divisive debate on the root cause of the long-standing issue.
As these revelations surface, the plight of Northern Kenya remains a focal point, with citizens and leaders alike calling for immediate attention and action from the government to address the persistent marginalisation and uplift the region from its longstanding neglect.
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