Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has weighed in on the controversial debate surrounding education funding, accusing President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of misusing funds intended for the sector.
Speaking during his visit to the US, Gachagua criticised Ruto for breaking a promise he made to Kenyans when he was still Deputy President that free education would continue and be extended to secondary school level.
Gachagua questioned what had changed and why the president was doing the exact opposite of his initial promise.
Recently, the CS for the Treasury announced that the government was gradually becoming unable to sustain the free education programme, citing an increased number of students and constrained fiscal resources as reasons for this.
His warning signaled a possible end to the free education programme, which Kenyans have been enjoying since the former President Mwai Kibaki's reign.
Delving into the conversation, Gachagua has blamed Ruto's advisers, alleging that they were the ones advising him to divert the funds meant for education for what he terms as 'useless developmental tours'.
Gachagua sensationally claimed that the money meant for education is allegedly withdrawn in cash and handed over to the executive for the numerous developmental tours they hold week in week out.
''Part of this money is what Kindiki is using to traverse the country; the same money meant for education is what they are using to fuel the helicopters you see around (sic),'' the former DP sensationally claimed.
The former DP urged the Kenya Kwanza government not to kill former President Mwai Kibaki's dream of free education.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has assured that free education will continue as it has been.
Basic Education PS Julius Bitok reassured parents that they have no reason to worry.
"The policy of free primary and secondary education has not changed; the government will continue financing education through capitation as it has been over the years. What happened is that the Treasury CS was misquoted, it was out of context," Bitok said.
