Former Roots Party deputy leader Justina Wamae has warned politicians against promising free education and healthcare, describing such pledges as unrealistic and likely to fail.

In a post on her X account on Monday, September 29, 2025, Wamae cited Kenya’s experience with free primary education since 2003 as a cautionary example.

“The trouble with Kenya. One of the demerits of introduction of free primary education in 2003 is that it led to the deterioration and collapse of quality of education in Kenya. Thereby, anybody promising Kenyans FREE education and Health care is a dead horse and will be the new Kaongo in early 2028,” she wrote.

Education funding concerns

Wamae’s comments come amid public concern over declining capitation funds in schools.

She highlighted that the free day secondary school allocation per student has dropped to Ksh15,600 from the expected Ksh22,200, the lowest in seven years.

She noted that this reduction has placed financial strain on households, affecting landlords and tenants alike. Other officials, including Naivasha MP Jane Kihara and the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General Akelo Misori, have also raised alarms, warning that delays in capitation could force schools to send students home.

Call for intellectual leadership

Beyond funding issues, Wamae criticised politicians challenging President William Ruto, dismissing reliance on physical or verbal aggression as outdated. She emphasized the need for intellectual leadership focused on policy and wealth creation.

“These people who keep on telling us, ‘ndio wako na nguvu ya kupigana na Rice Ruto..’ should be told that Kenya is NOT in the pre-stone age where physical might, including mdomo might, is required. In 2025, the relevant skill/requirement is INTELLECTUAL prowess in influencing and shaping policies and legislations that create wealth for the nation of Kenya and her citizens,” she said.

National priorities

Wamae also addressed the “wantam” and “tutam” political divide, describing the slogans as distractions.

She urged leaders to focus on pressing issues such as unemployment, rising food costs, education unrest, and healthcare access.

Her remarks come as President Ruto directed Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Education Minister Julius Ogamba to address capitation delays.