“Rais Uhuru Wetu Ulipoondoka Mambo ya Capitation…” Gachagua Raises Concerns Over Policies

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua used the funeral of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to raise concerns over current government policies.

Addressing mourners, Gachagua told former President Uhuru Kenyatta that many of his initiatives had been dismantled or replaced with systems that, he claimed, were not working effectively.

He pointed to challenges in the education and health sectors, warning that stalled government programmes were negatively affecting children and families across the country.

“Rais wetu ulipoondoka mambo ya capitation ambayo ilikuwa inakuja kwa shule wazazi wanakua hawana shida. As we speak today watoto wako nyumbani.

Walimu wamefunga shule mapema kwa sababu ya madeni because they have no money for capitation to pay suppliers,” he said.

Gachagua said the situation had left schools struggling to operate, with some unable to meet basic obligations due to delays in capitation funds.

He also criticised changes in the health sector, particularly the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

According to him, the new system was failing to deliver the results that had previously been achieved under NHIF.

The former Deputy President argued that the changes had created uncertainty and challenges for Kenyans seeking healthcare services, calling for a review of the current approach.

His remarks came during an emotional send-off for the late Karaba, where leaders from across the political divide gathered to pay tribute to the former legislator.

Gachagua used the platform to highlight what he described as growing dissatisfaction among citizens, particularly in relation to access to essential services such as education and healthcare.

He maintained that policy shifts should prioritise the welfare of ordinary Kenyans and ensure continuity of programmes that had proven effective.

While addressing the former President directly, Gachagua suggested that some of the gains made during Kenyatta’s administration were being reversed, to the detriment of citizens.

Leaders present at the funeral did not immediately respond to his remarks, but the comments are expected to reignite debate over the government’s policy direction and implementation of key reforms.

The issues raised by Gachagua reflect broader concerns that have been voiced in recent months regarding the rollout of new systems in both the education and health sectors.

Education stakeholders have previously warned about delays in capitation funds, saying they affect school operations and the delivery of learning programmes.

Similarly, the transition in the health sector has drawn mixed reactions, with some Kenyans raising concerns about access, efficiency, and service delivery under the new framework.