Karua faults govt over delayed capitation as schools reopen
By Emmanuel Rono, April 27, 2026The People’s Liberation Party leader, Martha Karua, has accused the government of failing to release capitation funds to schools ahead of the second-term reopening, even as parents grapple with the high cost of living.
Speaking at Kiamutugu Catholic Church in Gichugu constituency, Kirinyaga, on April 26, 2026, Karua said public schools are yet to reopen this week, yet capitation funds are yet to reach learning institutions.
Karua said the delay in disbursing funds meant to support free primary and secondary education was undermining learning in public institutions, with schools struggling to meet basic operational costs.
“Kenya haina shida ya pesa. Tuko na pesa ya kutosha ya kufanya huduma—ya kupeana huduma zote kwa wananchi. Tuko na pesa ya kutosha kuwapatia huduma ya afya bila malipo. Tuko na pesa ya kutosha ya kusomesha hawa watoto wetu kutoka nasari mpaka university bila malipo. Ile iko mbaya, shida ile tuko nayo sio ya pesa, ni ya matumizi mbaya na wizi,” Karua said.
Loosely translate, “Kenya does not have a money problem. We have enough money to provide services, to give all services to the citizens. We have enough money to give them healthcare services free of charge. We have enough money to educate these children of ours from nursery to university for free. The problem we have is not money; it is mismanagement and theft.”
Capitation funds are meant to help schools cover operational costs, including learning materials, utility bills, and minor repairs. Many head teachers have, in recent months, raised an alarm that their institutions are on the brink of shutdown due to the delay.
Drop of Iron Lady name
Karua said the new identity reflects her commitment to fighting corruption and enforcing accountability.
“Mlikuwa mnaniita Iron Lady, sasa nimejipea jina ingine ‘Simba Jike’. Mimi ndio nitaweza kupambana na wafisadi na wale hawatii sheria ndio Kenya yetu irudi mahali inafaa,” she told a gathering of supporters.
Readiness ahead of 2027 polls
The remarks marked a shift in her political branding as she continues to position herself as a central opposition figure ahead of the 2027 general election.
Karua has maintained her intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 elections, stating she will not take a running mate position. In a previous interview on March 30, she said, “Nitajitahidi kwa kila njia kuhakikisha mimi ndiye nitakayebeba bendera ya muungano.”
Her absence from recent United Alternative Government rallies has been interpreted as part of her strategy to pursue an independent political path.