Gachagua, speaking to Northern Kenya media practitioners earlier this week, alleged that the Governor is the secret hand behind a Ksh 2.4 Billion development consisting of 120 flats.
He argued that while Mandera suffers from chronic hunger and lack of water, its leaders are busy building "palatial empires" in Nairobi, questioning the source of the funds used to acquire land previously claimed by North Highridge Primary School.....
Governor Khalif’s response has been swift and "deadly." In a statement on Friday, January 23, he dismissed Gachagua as a "confused, loose-tongued old man" who is still reeling from his 2024 impeachment.
The Governor clarified that the land in question was privately acquired and that the Environment and Land Court ruled earlier this week (January 20, 2026) that he could proceed with the project, dismissing claims by the school's board.
Khalif has now instructed his lawyers to institute a defamation suit, accusing Gachagua of using "political bitterness" to incite ethnic and regional hostility.
Gachagua’s strategy is clearly designed to give the government "sleepless nights" by weaponizing devolution data.
He recently taunted Northern leaders, saying, "Juzi nimesema MPs na Governors wa North Eastern hawaendangi ground.
Ironically, wakaita press Nairobi kupinga matamshi yangu." (Recently I said they don't go to the ground; ironically, they called a presser in Nairobi to deny it).
By pointing out that these leaders reside in Nairobi while their constituents suffer, Gachagua is attempting to dismantle the "negotiated democracy" system where elders and kingpins dictate votes from the capital.
The "Parklands Claims" are particularly sensitive because they tap into a growing youth-led movement in the North.
Citizens in Mandera and Wajir have begun trending the "Wantam" (One Term) hashtag, asking why their counties have received over Ksh 1 Trillion since 2013 with so little to show for it in terms of permanent infrastructure.
Gachagua is not just exposing individual leaders; he is exposing a systemic failure of oversight, forcing the Ruto regime to defend regional governors who are now seen as "the President's allies" rather than the people's representatives.
As Gachagua prepares for his physical tour of Garissa and Mandera, the legal threat from Governor Khalif serves as a "warning shot" from the state-aligned establishment.
If the lawsuit proceeds, it could force a "discovery phase" where Gachagua may have to produce evidence for his claims—or face massive damages. However, for Gachagua, the court case is just another platform.
He appears willing to trade legal fees for the political capital of being the "only leader" brave enough to question the "Nairobi-based" Northern elite.
