Chair of Education in the Council of Governors and Kericho Governor Eric Mutai has warned Butere Girls' Principal Jennifer Omondi that she must be responsible and ready to face the consequences of the 'Echoes of War', a play performed by her school.
Speaking during the burial of former minister John Koech, the governor revealed that those who were shielding the principal from transfer were wrong and should know that she must face the consequences of not taking her leadership role as the school principal.
“It disturbs me when people come together to oppose the transfer of the Butere Girls Principal. People must take responsibility for their actions. If you have been entrusted with the leadership of an institution, you should have familiarised yourself with the play beforehand. If anything is unclear, seek clarification from the head of the department. Every action has consequences," the governor said.
Mutai's warning comes amid allegations that the principal had already been transferred to Wajir Day Secondary School in Wajir County after years of heading the national school.
The Teacher Service Commission, however, dismissed these allegations, saying that the teacher was still serving in her capacity as the school's principal.
“There is no official communication regarding any transfer of the Butere Girls principal. I have also seen the reports online, but they are not true,” Kakamega County TSC Director Wilson Koros told The Standard on April 11.
Despite the clarification by TSC, Mutai's sentiments indicate an agitation among those allied to the government for Omondi's transfer for allowing the play that has divided the country.
The staging of the play Echoes of War at the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival in Nakuru turned into a dramatic standoff between authorities and Butere Girls High School as the police blocked the students from performing.
Teargas, running battles, and chants of 'Ruto Must Go' were the order of the day as the students who were supposed to perform the play were blocked.
According to Governor Mutai, it was unfortunate that students taught by teachers who are paid by the government and in schools managed by the government could be pushed to chant against the president.
Further, Mutai castigated the former Kakamega Senator, Cleophas Malala, the playwright, for using school-going children to push his political agenda.
Almost a week into the events, the school management, including the principal, has remained mum over the developments.
