Transfers and threats mar schools opening

• Confusion as boards and principals defy orders

Transfers of principals in Rachuonyo South District and threats against teachers in Marakwet District promise to throw the new term into confusion.

Boards of governors and principals of schools affected by the transfers in Rachuonyo South District are reluctant to allow new heads to take over.

At Pala Secondary School, the board reportedly refused to hand over to the new principal, saying it will do so at its “convenience”.

Mr Charles Okode, who was transferred from Othoro Secondary to Ober in the same capacity told reporters at the weekend that he did not hand over to the new head from Kuria West District as the board of governors at Ober would not allow him to take over last week.

“I fear for my future if I hand over at Othoro while I have been barred from taking over at Ober. There is a lot of politics at play and I don’t want to take a risk,” Mr Okode said.

Acting district education officer John Omollo vented his anger on journalists on being quizzed. “Don’t ask me such questions… there is nothing like that,” he shouted.

In Marakwet District, teachers have been warned not to report for duty when schools open next week.

The teachers, from neighbouring Uasin Gishu and Keiyo districts, said they received text messages threatening them of dire consequences.

One of the texts seen by Nation read: “You will go like the thug. You are not a Mara (short for Marakwet). We missed you during closing day. One bullet is enough for you”.

A month ago, Mr Emmanuel Kipkeino, 46, a Teachers Advisory Centre tutor and acting area educational officer of Tunyo Division was shot by gunmen and his body found lying beside his motorcycle.

Meanwhile, teachers in Marigat District have been warned not to report for work until security in Mukutani area is beefed up.

Knut Baringo branch executive secretary Charles Kamuren urged teachers to pull out of the volatile area.

The Knut official also called on the government to fast-track the mop-up of illegal firearms in the vast district.

Reports by Otieno Owida, Kibiwott Koross and Wycliff Kipsang