- DCP gives the government a one-week deadline to release school capitation funds or face protests.
- Opposition leaders criticize the education budget cuts, citing corruption and poor priorities.
- MP Gitonga Mukunji calls the crisis a threat to Kenya’s future and urges urgent intervention.
Embu, Kenya – The Democratic Congress Party (DCP) has thrown down the gauntlet, warning President William Ruto’s administration of looming nationwide student demonstrations if school capitation funds are not released by August 8.
Speaking at a fiery political rally in Embu County, DCP Secretary General Cleopas Malala issued a public ultimatum to the government, saying the party will organize mass protests—including a march to State House—should the Ministry of Education fail to disburse funds to schools within the next seven days.
The rally doubled as a welcome event for Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who was recently released from police custody following his arrest on terrorism-related allegations tied to the recent Saba Saba protests.
“We Won’t Watch Education Collapse” – Malala
In a scathing critique of the Kenya Kwanza administration, Malala accused President Ruto’s government of deliberately sabotaging the free education policy. He painted the funding delay as a betrayal of past administrations that championed education access.
“This is not a question of lack of funds. It’s a question of corruption and misplaced priorities. We’re seeing money go to ghost schools while real learners suffer,” Malala declared.
His comments resonated with other opposition leaders, who pledged to resist what they described as a systematic weakening of the education sector.
Bipartisan Alarm Over Education Funding Crisis
Nyandarua Senator John Methu joined the chorus of criticism, warning that misadvised budget cuts would have long-term consequences on Kenya’s future.
He called on President Ruto to reevaluate his circle of advisors and prioritize proper education financing.
Several leaders from across the political divide also voiced concerns:
- Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu
- Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa
- Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo
- Naivasha MP Jane Kihara
- Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia
- Kathiani MP Robert Mbui
All condemned the capitation cuts and demanded immediate corrective measures. The lawmakers stressed that education should remain a national priority, regardless of political affiliations.
“This Is About the Soul of the Nation” – Gitonga Mukunji
Fresh from his release, MP Gitonga Mukunji didn’t hold back. He described the ongoing crisis as a direct threat to Kenya’s youth and called on leaders at every level to act with urgency.
“This is not just about money; it’s about the soul of our nation. We must protect the next generation,” Mukunji said.
As the deadline fast approaches, the Ruto administration is under growing pressure from both opposition and civil society groups to release the funds and prevent further disruption to learning in public schools.
Should the government fail to act, the DCP and its allies appear ready to escalate the matter through nationwide demonstrations, bringing student voices into the streets in what could become a major political showdown.
