
In a confrontation that has sent shockwaves through the education sector, the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) has issued a public ultimatum to the government: release pending school capitation funds within one week or face mass student-led protests, including a march to State House.
DCP Secretary-General Cleopas Malala, speaking at a fiery rally in Embu County, set the deadline firmly at August 8. As a party affiliated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the DCP warned that failure to comply would spark civil unrest nationwide, beginning in schools and spreading to public demonstrations.
Protestors plan to converge on State House if the deadline is ignored .

Education Budget Under Fire.
Malala accused the Kenya Kwanza government of deliberate sabotage of the free education agenda.
He argued that funds are not missing due to budget constraints, but because of corruption, misappropriation, and ghost school schemes. “Learners are deprived while public money vanishes,” he declared .
Cross-Party Alarm Bells.
A chorus of MPs and Senators joined the call for immediate action. Nyandarua Senator John Methu charged the administration’s advisers with misleading the president on education priorities.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui all condemned the funding delays as a direct attack on Kenya’s youth .
On the sidelines of the rally, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji—recently released from police detention—echoed the sentiment, describing the education crisis as “a ticking time bomb” and warning of irreversible damage if corrective action is not taken .
Context: Education Promise in Peril.
Despite allocations totalling over KSh 700 billion in the current budget, reports suggest public schools are still waiting on operational funds and basic supplies. School principals and parent-teacher bodies warn of learning disruptions unless disbursements are expedited .
Recently, Treasury CS John Mbadi triggered outrage by acknowledging the government cannot sustain full capitation entitlements—a statement seen by critics as a betrayal of the national free education pledge.
Tensions Escalate as Deadline Looms.
With the looming date, Malala says the DCP will coordinate student sit-ins and organized protests unless immediate payment is made. “No funds, no peace,” became the defiant rallying cry of the day .