Ruto Hits Back at Gachagua over National Schools Admissions Remarks

President William Ruto has responded to former Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua over the debate on whether national schools should be reserved for local communities within their respective regions.

Speaking at the Nyota Business Start-Up Capital Disbursement event in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the President accused Gachagua of promoting tribal politics and described the remarks by the former Deputy President as uncalled for.

“That is cheap politics. When someone has no agenda, they sell tribalism. When someone has no plan, they sell hatred. Now they have even brought it into our children’s schools. Let our children be. Let our children learn. Those children are Kenyans ,” said Ruto.

Ruto Weighs in on Admitting Students to National Schools Outside Their Regions

Additionally, the Head of State said it does not matter which region one comes from or the community they belong to, stressing that all children belong to the nation.

He urged his critics to shun politics of tribalism, hatred, and propaganda, and instead focus on policies they can present to Kenyans.

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President Ruto’s response come days after the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticised the admission process and advocated for better opportunities for local students in Mang’u and Alliance Boys High Schools, which has elicited mixed reactions.

Leaders React to Gachagua’s Remarks

On Sunday, January 4, 2026, during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina Church in Githunguri, Kiambu County, Gachagua questioned why top-performing students from outside the Mt. Kenya region are admitted to elite national schools like Alliance and Mang’u, while some local (Mt. Kenya) students with high marks are reportedly placed in lower-performing schools elsewhere.

“Other people are being brought to our schools here like Alliance, Mang’u, and others, while our children are being placed in lowly-ranked schools despite scoring high marks,” Gachagua stated.

Following his remarks, several leaders criticised him over the statements he made.

Also Read: Ruto Briefed Ahead of 2025 KCSE Results Release

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba strongly condemned the remarks, describing them as irrational and dangerous, and warned that stirring ethnic sentiments over school placements “must be stopped.” She dismissed the idea of prioritising local (Mt Kenya) students in national schools.

Former Senior Economic Advisor in Kenya Kwanza administration, Moses Kuria accused Gachagua of “tribalising” national schools, arguing that they are among the few remaining spaces that promote ethnic integration and national unity among Kenyan youth. He urged Gachagua to refrain from undermining this for political gain.

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