By Tony Wafula
Students of Musakasa Technical Training Institute in Bumula, Bungoma County, took to the streets to protest what they termed as the principal’s nepotism, misuse of resources and high handedness.
Activities on the Mayanja-Bumula road came to a standstill as the students held a peaceful demonstration to demand the removal of principal Charles Murumba.
Their leader Joseph Wakhungu accused Murumba of employing relatives who he gives priority when paying salaries, while neglecting other workers.
”Murumba has employed his relatives in all departments. He has failed to deliver and he must leave,” he said, and called for the intervention of the Ministry of Education.
Efforts to reach Murumba for comment were futile as he had locked himself up in the office.
Among those hired by the principal, Wakhungu claimed, were five female secretaries who were paid better than other staff members.
”We don’t know the duties of these five ladies and we have decided to expose them,” he said.
He also accused the principal of favouring Kisiwa Technical Institute graduates in employment, something which, he said, had demoralised those of Musakasa Institute.
”Three quarters of this institute’s employees are from Kisiwa Technical Institute,” said Wakhungu.
The student leader accused Murumba of physically assaulting and underpaying security guards, besides sending students home over arrears even when they do their best to pay the fees.
”This protest is peaceful. We want our grievances to be heard by top education officials,” he said.
Bumula sub-county Deputy county commissioner Wilson Kitili urged the students to remain calm as the ministry looked into their complaints.
The institute would remain closed until further notice, said Kitili.
