The Maseno School fraternity has been thrown into deep mourning after the death of former Chief Principal Paul Otula.
According to reports, Otula lost his life on Thursday, May 1, after he collapsed at his Nairobi home. Reports further alleged he suffered cardiac arrest. His body was taken to Lee Funeral Home.
Otula had a distinguished career in education, leading elite schools in Kenya as the principal.
He started as a classroom teacher and basketball coach at Mang'u High School in 1998 and later rose to Deputy Principal and eventually Principal.
He then took over as the Maseno School Principal in 2001, succeeding Walter Okumu Amadi. Under his leadership, Maseno excelled in academics and sports, with the school’s rugby team representing Kenya at the Dubai 7s and the basketball team winning the Engen Africa Youth Basketball Championships in South Africa (2003).
His tenure in Maseno ended in 2017 after allegations of misconduct, leading to his interdiction.
The much-celebrated basketball coach then proceeded to Sunshine Secondary School in Nairobi in 2018, serving until 2021, when he resigned to pursue a political career, aiming for the Karachuonyo parliamentary seat in the 2022 General Elections.
Unfortunately, he did not scoop the seat.
Apart from his rich academic career, Otula excelled in basketball. The educationist used his tall physical stature as an advantage to his coaching career and his leadership in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF).
He was elected Chairman of KBF in 2008, holding the position for multiple terms. Before his passing, Otula sat on the executive board National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK).
Following his death, students who passed through his hands both in school and on the baseball court flocked to social media to mourn and condole with the family.
''I'm glad to be among those who went to battle under your leadership. You pushed us to the limits, on and off the court. Forever in our hearts,'' Athman Omar, one of his basketball players, mourned.
