President William Ruto speaks to pupils flanked by his Deputy Kithure Kindiki and other dignitaries at PCEA Nyamachaki Comprehensive School in Nyeri Town on January 12, 2026./PCS
A brief comic moment unfolded at PCEA Nyamachaki Comprehensive School on
Monday when students identified Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as “Fire si
Fire” during President William Ruto’s tour to launch newly built classrooms.
Ruto, who was accompanied by senior government
officials, joined students mid-lesson and used the opportunity to encourage
them to embrace polite language, respect, and discipline as key values for
success in school and beyond.
He walked the learners through a short, informal exercise on communication
etiquette, demonstrating how courtesy phrases such as “excuse me” improve
clarity and mutual respect.
“How many of you know my name?” he asked,
drawing laughter before continuing with the lesson.
The President said the four new classrooms completed in partnership with
local leaders would ease congestion and enable the school to admit more
learners, especially as population growth and new housing schemes increase
demand.
“I’m very happy that today we come to
inaugurate these beautiful classes so that you can continue to learn,” he said.
Teachers welcomed the expansion, saying additional facilities would further
enhance learning conditions and help the school absorb more pupils.
Ruto reiterated that education remains central to the administration’s
agenda and promised continued collaboration to improve learning outcomes and
student development.
As he concluded his remarks, the President
introduced Deputy President Kindiki to the class and asked if the pupils
recognised him.
“His name is Excellency Kindiki,” the students
first replied.
When Ruto pressed them further on if they knew any other name for Kindiki, some shouted, “Fire si Fire,”
prompting laughter from the President, DP Kindiki, and guests in the room.
The President said the government is
expanding education opportunities through increased funding to schools, hiring of 100,000 teachers and the development of more infrastructure, including 23,000 classrooms and 1,600 laboratories, across the country.
“We are expanding education opportunities through increased funding to schools, hiring of 100,000 teachers and the development of more infrastructure, including 23,000 classrooms and 1,600 laboratories, across the country. We have also provided the funding required for the promotion of 25,000 teachers to enhance their careers and boost their work,” Ruto said.
“We will provide another KSh20 million to Nyamachaki Comprehensive School for the expansion of facilities that will accommodate more learners.”