On June 1, President William Ruto hosted Kenya's 63rd Madaraka Day
in Wajir County for the first time, marking self-rule since 1963 with an
emotional speech at the new Wajir Stadium.
He apologized for policies like the 1965 Sessional Paper No. 10
that favored high-potential areas, leaving the arid North short on roads,
water, schools, and healthcare, and pledged equity while renaming the stadium
after late MP Ahmed Khalif and integrating local Quranic and pastoral education
into the national system.
Northern leaders praised the move as leadership, but critics like
former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua questioned priorities amid ongoing
lacks in basics despite billions in devolved funds, with tense chants
disrupting events elsewhere.
