KNUT demands cancellation of Maseno Principal Otula’s interdiction

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.