Activist and presidential aspirant Boniface Mwangi has responded to criticism over his children attending private schools, clarifying his stance after a heated discussion on X.
The debate began after Mwangi, in a recent interview, called for the abolition of private schools, arguing that Kenya should only have fully funded public schools.
“This country should not have private schools. It should only have public schools, fully funded by the government,” he stated.
One X user challenged him directly, asking whether his own children had ever been enrolled in public schools.
One X user challenged him directly, asking whether his own children had ever been enrolled in public schools.
Mwangi addressed the question, highlighting the limitations of Kenya’s current education system.
“My daughter and former President Uhuru have something in common: they both attended the same kindergarten, Lady Northey Nursery School along State House Avenue, a school run by the Nairobi County government,” he said.
He added that his children currently attend private schools because public schools are “underfunded, mismanaged, and run down.”
Mwangi emphasized that his position is not hypocritical but pragmatic.
“As president, I shall properly fund education and standardize all schools with classrooms, libraries, laboratories, computer labs, and, most importantly, employ enough teachers and pay them well,” he said.
He added that his comments on private schools were part of a broader conversation about reforms needed to strengthen the education system.
Education remains a key issue ahead of the 2027 elections, with Mwangi’s statements drawing attention to long-standing gaps in public schooling.
Mwangi’s clarification reveals the broader debate on education reform in Kenya, balancing immediate realities with long-term visions for fully funded, quality public schools.