Poghisio defends Mbadi on free education row, warns of political optics
By Cynthia Lodite, July 28, 2025As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 general elections, the Kenya Kwanza government faces the delicate balance of honest governance versus political optics, with the biggest debate being on the Free Education capitation funds.
According to former Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio’s comments, while highlighting the tension, he reveals that Education CS Mbadi may have spoken the truth about budget constraints; however, he should have done it in the right way.
While speaking to a local media house on Monday, July 28, 2025, the former senator insisted on CS Mbadi being right with his statements on the lack of government funds for Education; however, he also highlighted that the CS should have chosen the right political terms.
“Now that we are heading towards the 2027 elections, the Kenya Kwanza Government will tread carefully. CS Mbadi was justified in saying that the government lacks money to fund education, but politics is not done that way,” stated Poghisho.
In addition, the Former Senator noted that CS Mbadi got himself in deep trouble after making his remarks on the free education fund coming to an end, whereas the president is reaffirming his commitment to free quality education to Kenyans.
Ruto made his remarks on Sunday, July 27, 2025, during a church service at ACK St Martin’s Light Industries Church in Kariobangi, Nairobi, further highlighting the ongoing investments aimed at expanding education access and improving learning conditions across the country.
“Free primary education is the right of every Kenyan,” Ruto said. While further adding,“Over the last two years, we have taken several measures to ensure education is truly universal and accessible.”
While revealing how CS Mbadi should have delivered the lack of funds to take care of free education for Kenyans, he noted that he should have consulted the spin doctors of politics.
Do we trust Ruto
In the midst of the steaming debate on the end of the free education era, President William Ruto on Sunday reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring free, accessible, and quality education for all Kenyan children.
Meanwhile, according to Poghisho, the question of trust stems high with the people now being left in the dilemma of who to trust after CS Mbadi’s remarks.
“The whole thing is about trust again, trust deficit, whatever they say for them to be believed is a complicated situation. The president has come out, but do we trust the President?” stated Poghisho, further adding, “One of the things that has come out is who is saying the truth.”