Nyamira County: The School Principal for Rigoma Girls’ Secondary School in Masaba North Sub County, Nyamira County, is currently spending nights with her students after unknown persons shattered windows to her bedroom and locked her house from outside while she slept.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Principal, Alice Onywoki, is now living in fear after leaflets criticizing her leadership were found near the school compound. Leaders in the area, parents, and teachers condemned the incident and called for swift arrests of the culprits to bring them to justice.
Speaking Thursday during a prize-giving day for students who posted exemplary performance last year, Onywoki described the terrifying night, attributing the actions to people she suspected were insiders. She recounted how, upon trying to flee, she discovered the door was locked from outside and had to seek help from students in the nearest dormitory, as the watchmen appeared unaware of the situation.
Onywoki urged the Department of Criminal Investigations to expedite their investigations to ensure justice is served. Masaba North Chairman of the Kenya Secondary Schools’ Heads Association, Samson Getamo, stated that all school heads would advocate for justice for Onywoki, as it seemed they were all under threat. He emphasized the need for respect towards the teaching fraternity and stated that principals would not tolerate any attacks against school heads.
Sub-County Director of Education Gabriel Ogamba criticized those planning harm for the school and its principal, asserting they lacked understanding and that no one could hinder the school’s progress. He expressed confidence in the Department of Criminal Investigations to handle the case effectively.
Area Deputy County Commissioner Stella Wanyela mentioned that action had already been taken by the DCI to uncover all criminal activities related to the incident. She suggested that all plans were orchestrated within the school but investigations would reveal more details, including those involved and the locations used for the criminal activities.
Wanyela urged those with grievances against the principal to follow appropriate channels, such as requesting her recall through the Teachers Service Commission, instead of resorting to harm. She warned that this incident would serve as a precedent for dealing with similar intentions in educational institutions within the area.