Citizen TV's Yvonne Okwara on Thursday, October 31, tore into Deputy President William Ruto and Cabinet secretaries for visiting KCPE pupils during their examinations.
Speaking during the News Gang segment of the evening's bulletin, Okwara termed the leaders' visits as a show of might, rather than an encouragement to the pupils.
"This show of might, of VIPs, convoy's, government officials and guards was a bit confusing, considering the amount of energy the government has put trying to convince all that exams are not a matter of life and death.
"We have even stopped ranking of schools to completely strip away the spotlight on these exams but somehow, government officials, still find some value in trooping to schools to the amazement and wonder of 13-year-olds who would do well with less intimidation," she remarked.
She noted that the leaders were an inconvenience to the pupils, adding that they had cancelled a Cabinet meeting to participate in the process that she considered a distraction.
"Think of it, you are just a small boy or girl and you only see these top government officials on radio or television if you're lucky or even never at all, but on the consequential day of your primary school education, the high and mighty, make their landing, loaded with bodyguards, big cars and a sheer aura of power," she continued.
The news anchor further called upon leaders led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy to focus on more important things like the future of education in the country.
"Wouldn't it have been more important if the deputy president, perhaps even the president, and the entire cabinet had showed up at this critical hour when a whole education system was being overhauled?
"What is more important? A three-day exam or a whole education system that will affect millions of children over several decades?" she posed.
On Wednesday, October 30, the DP made a surprise visit to KCPE candidates of Precious Talent Academy who are sitting their exams at Ngong Forest Primary School.
Through his social media page, Ruto stated that he was at the institution to wish the learners well and to supervise the distribution of KCPE Science papers.
The impromptu visit by Ruto came almost a month after pupils from Precious Talent were transferred to Ngong Primary School through a directive by Education CS George Magoha after the school was closed following a tragedy that left eight dead.
