Kigame faults political elite for escaping failed public systems
By Faith Lagat, January 12, 2026Renowned gospel musician, human rights activist, and 2027 presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame has criticised Kenya’s political leadership over what he describes as a growing disconnect between public policies and the lived realities of ordinary citizens.
In a post shared on X on January 12, 2026, Kigame accused leaders of imposing public systems on citizens while opting out of the same services for themselves and their families.
“My people, wake up. Look, think, grow and vote different. The children of your leaders don’t go through CBE and they are not subject to SHA. These guys don’t go to KNH and they will not be living in affordable housing. They go to hospital overseas and may die there having messed up all our institutions. Before you are bought by them or die for them, remember this,” Kigame wrote.
His remarks referenced the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance framework, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), and the government’s affordable housing programme, all of which he said are mandatory for the public but avoided by political elites.
Education reforms under renewed scrutiny
Kigame’s comments come amid ongoing national debate over education reforms under CBE. A day earlier, on January 11, 2026, he called for a complete return to the 8-4-4 education system, describing CBE as unworkable.
“I want to appeal to the government to completely return the system of education to 8-4-4. That is the quickest way to fix the mess that we are experiencing in the country now,” Kigame said.
He dismissed the effectiveness of reforms and reviews, adding, “The task forces have not been able to redeem the system. All the discussions by the government, all the funding, all the adjustments are not able to solve a mess that was committed many years ago by Dr Matiang’i and his friends.”
Kigame also criticised the pathways approach within CBE, arguing that it limits learners’ adaptability later in life. “The issue of pathways is the wrong way to go because you are restricting the children to a very narrow way of facing life. So this is one way of enslaving our children because when they finish school, they are not able to face life. They’re not able to adapt to anything else,” he said.
Health, housing and leadership accountability
Beyond education, Kigame has raised concerns about healthcare reforms and access to public services. He has previously questioned the transition from NHIF to SHA, linking it to broader concerns over affordability and inclusion in public healthcare.
He has also pointed to leaders’ reliance on private or overseas medical care as evidence of declining confidence in public institutions such as KNH. Similar concerns have been raised regarding affordable housing, which Kigame says is often out of reach for the citizens it is meant to serve.