President William Ruto's administration has dropped a bombshell: the government says it can no longer afford to sustain free education in Kenya.

What was once celebrated as one of Kenya's proudest achievements – free primary and secondary education – is now on the chopping block.

The reason given? "Insufficient funding." The public response? Unrelenting sarcasm, widespread online rage, and fresh calls for #RutoMustGo.

A Promise Broken?

The frustration is palpable across social media.

One tweet from @chel0goi has become an unofficial anthem of Kenyan anger:

"Kibaki sustained free education for 10 years. Uhuru did for 10 years. But Ruto in 3 years can’t—and he still wants 10 years like the rest."

Many others quickly joined in. "@WilliamsRuto ondokea tu roho clean," joked @GeraldGathirwa, a light-hearted jab reflecting deep-seated frustration.

Meanwhile, @JKMW682679 took a more serious stance:

"Apart from these genuine concerns, you need to look within to discover the honourable thing to do now… resign."

Joho smartly explains getting a D- in secondary school

For many Kenyans, the question is simple: How did previous presidents manage to keep this vital programme going, but this administration can't?

Echoes of the Past

The public's memory of accessible education runs deep.

"We basically went to school from primary through college virtually free," wrote @cokoyoh. "Now, our siblings cannot enjoy the same. The mad man has to go."

@kavoi_eunice added her voice to the chorus, expressing concern for critical sectors:

"His main mission was to kill the education sector and health… WANTAM is inevitable."

Even Professor Steve didn't hold back: "He destroys and wants time. Isn’t he greedy enough?"

Amidst the anger, some Kenyans resorted to humour as a coping mechanism. "Let’s laugh out loud to WANTAM ???," quipped @Taylorkiarie.

"Wait tomorrow to cry the way he is God-sent," added @elimashe, with a perfectly Kenyan blend of sarcasm and despair.

In the middle of the widespread criticism, a rare dissenting voice emerged. "@nairobimercury" tweeted:

"'Free education' is sht. It’s long overdue. It should be scrapped."

Unsurprisingly, this opinion quickly earned a swift "online dragging" from the overwhelming majority of users.

Now, Kenyans are left wondering: If free education isn't affordable, what exactly is being prioritised? And with a president campaigning for 10 years in office, many feel the numbers just aren't adding up.

The government may have pulled the plug on free learning, but it's clear the lessons on public accountability are just beginning.