Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come under sharp criticism following sentiments attributed to him regarding the ownership of some National Schools in the country.
Kilgoris Member of Parliament, MP Charles Sunkuli termed the remarks unfortunate, reckless and inciteful, saying they should be strongly discouraged for threatening national cohesion.
Speaking after handing over registration certificates to several schools in his constituency, Sunkuli maintained that National Schools were constructed using public funds and therefore belong to all Kenyans.
“These schools were built using taxpayers’ money. They do not belong to any single community but to all Kenyan children,” Sunkuli said.
He stressed that every student has a constitutional right to seek education in any school across the country, urging parents not to be intimidated when choosing schools for their children.
“No parent should fear taking their child to any school in this country. The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to education anywhere,” he added.
ALSO READ:
KUPPET Bomet Gender Secretary condemns brutal killing of Cheptagum JSS teacher
Addressing the issue of schools hived off to Trans Mara East Constituency, Sunkuli demanded that institutions such as Sossiana and Ole Spoia be returned to Kilgoris Constituency to enable them benefit from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
“These schools were unfairly taken away. They should be returned so that they can benefit from NG-CDF resources meant to support learning infrastructure,” he said.
The Kilgoris legislator further promised to discharge his duties without favoritism, noting that he would work closely with churches and other development partners to improve education standards in the area.
“I will serve all schools equally without discrimination and partner with churches and other stakeholders to achieve our development goals,” Sunkuli stated.
Gachagua had reportedly claimed that National Schools including Alliance High School, Nairobi School and Mang’u High School belong to the local communities where they are located, advising other Kenyans to enroll their children in schools within their respective counties.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
