Northern Kenya’s Underdevelopment is Systemic, Says Mwengi Mutuse, Slams Leaders for Shifting Blame

By Andrew Mbuva 

Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse has weighed in on the ongoing debate over underdevelopment in Northern Kenya, insisting that the region’s challenges are systemic and the result of historical government policies rather than the failings of local lneaders alone.

Speaking today in Saku, Marsabit County , Mutuse highlighted the marginalization of the North, noting that official policies, including Sessional Paper No. 10, directed resources to Kenya’s so-called “productive” areas while neglecting Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). “As leaders, we must address the root causes of these issues and stop revising history,” he said.

Mutuse challenged critics, including those who have accused Northern leaders of failing to develop the region, to also account for their own periods in leadership. “Many have held senior positions but have nothing to show for it, even in their own backyards,” he said.

He praised the ongoing development in Northern Kenya, citing projects such as road tarmacking, the construction of Marsabit Stadium, and a newly completed hospital in Sololo. Mutuse also pointed out that local professionals now occupy key government positions as Principal Secretaries, CEOs of parastatals, ambassadors, and directors of state corporations.

“This is the Kenya we want—a Kenya founded on ethnic equity and economic inclusivity,” he said, urging Kenyans to support President William Ruto for a second term to continue the transformation agenda.

Mutuse’s remarks come in response to criticism by DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua, who recently accused North Eastern leaders of failing to deliver on development despite receiving significant devolved funds. Gachagua pointed to the poor state of schools and healthcare facilities in the region as evidence of mismanagement.