By Ongaga Ongaga
A teachers’ union has raised alarm over alleged intimidation of the principal of St Peter’s Nyakemincha Senior School, in Nyamira County.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Nyamira branch petitioned the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and other government agencies to intervene, protect the principal and stop interference with his duties.
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In a letter dated September 2, KUPPET Nyamira Executive Secretary Ayieko G. Mogaka said the union was raising concerns over alleged attempts by a section of the Catholic clergy and the school’s Board of Management (BOM) chairperson to obstruct the principal from discharging his administrative and managerial responsibilities.
The union said the concerns arose following the deployment of George Makaa as the school’s principal, with a peaceful handover and takeover reportedly taking place on August 21, 2026.
According to KUPPET, the BOM chairperson Rev. Fr. Mandere, Catholic schools secretary Mr Mabeya and assistant secretary Rev. Fr. Masese, together with other individuals, have allegedly attempted to frustrate the new principal’s work.
“We wish to draw the attention of the Teachers Service Commission… on the persistent, irregular, unlawful and unprocedural acts of harassment, intimidation and interference with the discharge of duty by the duly deployed principal,” the union said.
The union further alleged that some members of the Catholic education committee and BOM had vowed to continue opposing Makaa’s posting, with claims that efforts were being made to have another individual installed as principal.
KUPPET also raised concerns over alleged plans for demonstrations that it said could disrupt teaching and learning at the school.
The union warned that such actions could have serious consequences for learners, particularly at a time when schools are preparing for national examinations.
“The trajectory is extremely dangerous and irresponsible bearing in mind that the country has just witnessed loss of lives of our children in schools and destruction of property worth millions of shillings a few months ago through student unrest,” the statement said.
Questions Over Alleged Meeting
KUPPET also questioned the circumstances surrounding a meeting allegedly held on August 31 at a private residence belonging to a member of the clergy.
The union claims Makaa was taken from the school while in the middle of a scheduled staff meeting by three individuals identified as representatives of the clergy and Catholic education committee, and driven in a hired taxi to a meeting involving more than 10 spiritual leaders.
KUPPET questioned whether the gathering could properly be described as consultative, alleging that the principal was subjected to pressure to stay away from the school.
“The issue is not the right of the church or its representatives to raise legitimate concerns if any through appropriate channels. That right must be respected,” the union said.
It added that concerns should instead be addressed through established institutional procedures and the rule of law.
Recent media reports have also highlighted allegations surrounding Makaa’s removal from the school compound and the dispute over his posting.
Government Action
The union has called on the TSC, Ministry of Education and other relevant government authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged harassment and interference.
Among its demands is that authorities protect the principal from further intimidation, threats, coercion or obstruction and ensure that teachers are given adequate time to teach and prepare learners for national examinations.
KUPPET has also asked authorities to ensure that the BOM and church representatives operate within their lawful mandates and do not assume powers it says belong to the employer and the Ministry of Education.
The union further wants an investigation into what it describes as persistent resistance to the incoming principal.
Threat of Industrial Action
KUPPET has issued a strong warning should the alleged intimidation continue.
The union said that if Makaa is prevented from performing his duties or if planned demonstrations proceed, its members in Nyamira County would withdraw labour and organise peaceful processions across the county to protest what it described as intimidation and obstruction of the principal’s official responsibilities.
The union also raised broader concerns over allegations that recommendations for transfers of principals in Catholic-sponsored schools could sometimes be influenced by nepotism, clannism, favouritism or personal associations.
It called for the matter to be investigated.
KUPPET further placed all concerned parties on notice that should the principal suffer physical harm, unlawful detention, disappearance or any other adverse incident linked to the alleged intimidation, those responsible should be held accountable under the law.
“It is my prayer that the TSC and the Ministry of Education should act swiftly and firmly to ensure the safety of our learners, the school principal and teachers in the school,” Mogaka said.
The union maintained that its intervention was aimed at protecting teachers and learners, safeguarding the independence of the TSC and ensuring that the school operates without disruption.
