Kabando: Ruto’s leadership is a burden Kenyans brought upon themselves
By Nancy Marende, July 28, 2025Former Mukurweini Member of Parliament (MP) Kabando wa Kabando has criticised President William Ruto’s leadership, describing it as a burden Kenyans imposed on themselves through misguided choices and manipulated elections.
In a statement on Monday, July 28, 2025, Kabando labelled Ruto a “self-inflicted curse,” accusing him of presiding over a regime marked by deceit, corruption, and betrayal of public trust.
“With all the red flag signs and tonnes of evidence of who Ruto was, isn’t it right to say he’s ‘our’ self-inflicted curse? Without stolen money to bribe all & sundry, would people still support him?
Kabando has also called on Kenyans to reflect on how the country got to this point and to demand better from their leaders.
“The prevalent crisis of pains and regrets should elicit enormous soul-searchings,” he added.
Furthermore, the former MP condemned what he described as a pattern of ethnic double standards and moral apathy that has gripped the nation for years.
He linked this historical silence to the present-day repression and killings of Gen Z protestors, arguing that Kenya’s failure to stand up for one group eventually endangers all.
“When Somalis were profiled indiscriminately, did we speak against it? When the Luos were massacred, were we troubled? Ruto has unleashed militia against Kikuyus; who’ll defend? Sadists are killing Gen Zs; shall we shout to defend the angelic children of God? We must unite or perish,” he added.
Education sector
His remarks come days after the Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that the government can no longer afford to provide free primary and secondary education, which has raised concerns among Kenyans about the future of education in the country.
Appearing before the National Assembly committee on July 24, the CS claimed that free basic education was no longer sustainable, citing the increased number of students in schools and constrained fiscal resources.
He also said that the capitation grant for secondary schools would now be Ksh16,900 per child, down from Ksh22,244.
“Currently, learners are provided with tuition and operations costs at the rate of Ksh1,420 for primary education. For junior school, it is Ksh15,042 per child, and in senior secondary school, it is Ksh22,244 per child,” he stated.
“However, due to constrained fiscal space and other emerging priorities within the education sector, updating these rates might be untenable. The government will, however, consider reviewing this rate should revenue performance improve.”
Mbadi also broached the subject of national exam payments, revealing that the government was considering having students pay registration fees for national exams.