Former Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua sparked a national debate after making remarks on student placement and admissions to national schools, particularly elite institutions in the Mt Kenya region, such as Alliance High School and Mang’u High School. Gachagua made the remarks on Sunday, January 4, 2026, while speaking during a church service at AIPCA
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