Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has clarified his controversial remarks on school placements for Mt Kenya students after a warning from President William Ruto. Gachagua affirmed the need for equitable opportunities nationwide but also insisted on prioritizing students from certain regions.

• Gachagua defended his statements regarding the placement of Grade 10 learners, maintaining that students from the Central region deserve to study in top schools.
• President William Ruto publicly warned Gachagua against spreading "hate and tribal politics" through the education system during a NYOTA funds disbursement event in Uasin Gishu County on Thursday, January 8.
• The dispute arose from Gachagua's earlier comments questioning why students from other regions were being placed in high-performing schools within the Mt Kenya region and criticising the fairness of the placement criteria.