NAIROBI, KENYA: The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has demanded an unconditional reinstatement of Maseno National School Principal, Mr Paul Otula who has been sent on compulsory leave over the alleged bullying and sexual molestation at the school.
The Union's Secretary General , Wilson Sossion described Mr Otula's suspension as ill-advised and accused the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission of harassing school Principals through unfounded rumours.
In a letter to the TSC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sossion said the decision to send Mr Otula on a compulsory 30 days' leave and his subsequent replacement by the Principal of Homa Bay High School was a breach of the law.
"This is an event of a chain of systematic attack and harassment on principals and teachers. It is the beginning of a breakdown of efficient management of schools a systematic attack and and harassment based on rumours and unfounded allegations," Sossion said in the letter dated March 15, 2017 and copied to Education CS, Fred Matiangi.
He added: "It is wrong for the TSC and the Ministry of education to act on emotions and impulse without giving a chance to Boards of management of schools to effectively ventilate on internal challenges as maybe pointed out in various investigative reports."
Sossion said the disci0plinary action against Otula should be revoked to allow for the formation of a joint investigative panel of the Board of Management and County Directors of education and TSC.
Otula who has been in Maseno since 2001 was sent on compulsory leave following reports of bullying and alleged sexual molestation by prefects.