Where Money For Education Was Taken By Govt - Rigathi Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sensationally claimed that President William Ruto’s government is diverting education funds for non-essential activities, further fueling the controversy surrounding the future of free basic education in Kenya.

Speaking during his ongoing tour of the United States, Gachagua openly criticized Ruto and his Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, for allegedly betraying a key promise made to Kenyans — the commitment to protect and expand free education initiated during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration in 2003.

“President Ruto stood before Kenyans and vowed to support free education up to secondary level when he was Deputy President. What changed?” Gachagua asked, adding that the administration's recent actions point to deliberate sabotage of that pledge.

The remarks come just weeks after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, while presenting the 2025/2026 budget, warned that the government may no longer be able to fully sustain the free education programme.

He cited ballooning enrolment numbers and fiscal pressure as reasons for the shortfall in capitation funds to schools. Gachagua, however, dismissed the explanation, claiming the issue is not a lack of funds but rampant misuse.

He alleged that funds earmarked for education are being withdrawn in bulk cash and funneled into what he called “useless government tours,” which he believes are unnecessary and wasteful.

“The money meant for education is being used to fund helicopter trips across the country. Kindiki and other senior officials are using choppers every other day while our children sit in classrooms with no books, desks or lunch,” Gachagua stated.

He further accused Ruto’s advisers of misleading the president, arguing that their focus on optics and publicity stunts was undermining the country's critical sectors such as education and healthcare.

Despite the uproar, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok moved to reassure parents and guardians that free education remains intact.

“The government is still committed to free basic education. What the Treasury CS said was taken out of context. Capitation will continue as it has over the years,” Bitok clarified.

Gachagua, however, urged the government not to abandon Kibaki’s legacy, warning that doing so would plunge millions of Kenyan children back into poverty and illiteracy.

“This was not just a policy — it was a national dream. Let us not kill it,” he said.