Thuku, in a social media post, challenged the widely held belief that formal education automatically makes one more intelligent or capable than someone with limited schooling.
“Is every university graduate better than every Class Two dropout? I am not asking if every graduate is richer than every Std Two leaver, I am just asking, is every lawyer smarter than every high school leaver?” Thuku questioned.
The lawyer argued that public opinion on such matters is often influenced by political affiliations, suggesting that people’s answers may change depending on the prevailing political climate.
He went further to separate academic achievements from practical abilities, asking Kenyans to consider life skills, experience, and personal success beyond certificates and professional titles.
“If we put all academic papers aside and the university degrees and careers away and we go to life skills, who is better, Sifuna v Sudi?” Thuku posed.
The remarks revived a political debate that began after Edwin Sifuna, a lawyer and one of President William Ruto’s most vocal critics, described Oscar Sudi as a Class Two dropout.
The comments sparked discussions on whether academic background should determine a leader’s ability, especially in politics where elected leaders often come from different educational and social backgrounds.
Sudi, the Kapseret Member of Parliament and a strong supporter of President Ruto, has openly stated that he did not complete his formal primary and secondary education.
Although he had previously been associated with claims of attending Highway High School and holding a diploma, he later acknowledged that he left school at an early stage.
Despite his limited formal education, Sudi has built a successful political career, rising to become a Member of Parliament and one of the influential figures in President Ruto’s political circle.
In December 2024, Sudi received an honorary doctorate in Leadership, Administration, and Management from Northwestern Christian University, an award that also attracted public discussion over the role of honorary academic recognition.
Thuku’s remarks have now widened the conversation beyond Sifuna and Sudi, raising a broader question: Does success depend more on classroom education, or on the ability to navigate real-life challenges and opportunities?
The debate continues to divide opinion, with some Kenyans defending the importance of academic qualifications while others argue that experience, determination, and practical skills can also shape effective leadership.
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Politics