By Tony Wafula
Five workers of Lugulu Girls National School in Webuye, Bungoma County, have been sent on a compulsory leave for allegedly inciting students to protest over rape claims.
They are the school’s nurse, cateress, store keeper and two cooks.
During last week’s protests, the students accused the principal and the school nurse of colluding to cover up the defilement case by tampering with evidence.
One of the suspended workers, who sought anonymity for fear of being victimised, said they had been unfairly targeted as the students’ protests were genuine.
“We are wondering why we have been sent home yet the students were demanding justice for their colleague who was raped,” said the employee.
The student is alleged to have been defiled by someone who strangled her to prevent her from raising an alarm.
Bungoma East Police boss Valerian Obore told Education news that police were pursuing links that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrator.
The school’s board of management decided to close the school indefinitely after the protests.
Some residents of Bungoma, including civil society leaders, have accused the principal, Dina Cheruiyot, of running the school with an iron fist.
They also claim that the Principal is flouting procurement rules and practicing nepotism.
“It’s sad that the principal has employed most of her relatives as watchmen and cooks in the institution,” Arthur Mukoro said.
Efforts to get the Principal’s comment were unsuccessful as she neither responded to calls nor replied to text messages.
