Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has fired back at former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks on the placement of learners in national schools, escalating a public dispute that has drawn sharp reactions from politicians, parents and education stakeholders.
Speaking during a public forum, Gachagua accused the government of sidelining certain regions in the placement of students to national schools, arguing that the process was unfair and had disadvantaged learners from Mount Kenya and other areas. He claimed that merit was being sacrificed for “political considerations” and warned that the credibility of the education system was at stake if the issue was not addressed.
“Our children work hard, they pass, but when it comes to placement in national schools, they are locked out. Education should never be used as a political weapon,” Gachagua said, adding that equal opportunity for learners was a constitutional right.
His remarks prompted an immediate response from Education CS Julius Ogamba, who dismissed the claims as misleading and politically motivated. Ogamba insisted that the placement process followed existing policies and was designed to promote equity, national cohesion and merit.
“National school placement is guided by clear criteria approved by law. It balances merit, regional representation and affirmative action for marginalized communities,” Ogamba said. “It is unfortunate that some leaders choose to misrepresent facts to score political points.”
The CS cautioned politicians against dragging education into partisan battles, saying such rhetoric risked eroding public trust in a system that affects millions of Kenyan families.
“Education is too important to be reduced to campaign fodder. If you want political mileage, look for it elsewhere,” Ogamba said, echoing sentiments voiced by members of the public who reacted angrily to Gachagua’s comments.
At the event, some attendees shouted back at the former deputy president, chanting: “Look for other places to get political mileage!” while others accused leaders of exploiting sensitive national issues for personal gain.
Parents and education experts weighed in, with some supporting Gachagua’s concerns about transparency, while others backed the ministry’s position. An education analyst noted that debates around national school placement recur almost every year, often reflecting deeper tensions over equity, regional balance and access to elite public institutions.
The exchange comes at a time when education policy is under intense scrutiny, with rising competition for limited slots in top schools and growing public pressure on the government to ensure fairness and accountability in the system.
