Trans Nzoia deputy Speaker and Senate aspirant Obed Mwale has called for an end to school-related levies that he says are forcing children from poor families out of classrooms and into casual labour.
Mwale said some pupils in Trans Nzoia are allegedly sent away from school between Wednesday and Friday to raise money for various school demands, denying them their constitutional right to basic education.
Speaking during the burial of Mzee Eliud Manyonge at Maridadi village in Kwanza Subcounty, Mwale urged chiefs and other local administrators to investigate cases of school-going children found working during school days.
The Matisi MCA said Chiefs should first establish which schools the children attend and why they are being sent home instead of immediately blaming their parents.
“These children are doing casual work because they are chased away from school to bring money for various demands. If you find a child doing casual work, don’t trouble the parent first. Find out where the child goes to school and go there to establish why they are being sent away,” Mwale said.
He cited Article 53(1)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory basic education, arguing that schools should not impose financial demands that push vulnerable families further into hardship.
“The Constitution of Kenya guides us. Article 53(1)(b) says primary education is free, and day secondary education is free. These things being passed on to parents, the money should stop. It should stop completely,” he said.
The Matisi MCA also called for peaceful political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging politicians to campaign on policies rather than insults, violence or personal attacks.
“Politics is not insults, and politics is not war. Politics is about selling policies. You come here, sell your policies, and if God sees that your heart is clean, He will put it in the hearts of the people and they will choose you,” he said.
Mwale, who is seeking to succeed Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, also asked residents to consider his record of service as an MCA as he seeks their support for the Senate seat.
