A group of Principals from Kenyenya Subcounty have accused their local Member of Parliament, Obadiah Barango, of selectively choosing certain principals to further his personal interests, instead of uniting them to support educational development in the area.
They argued that this approach may hinder the academic progress of the constituency unless the MP involves key stakeholders in his education development agenda.
Additionally, the educators pointed to a recent meeting in Ogembo town, where the MP spent over 500,000 shillings to host a gathering with his associates.
They found this expenditure unnecessary and believed it should have focused on discussing ideas for improving local schools, rather than political matter.
The Principals further accused him of favoritism by rewarding those who supported his political campaigns during the previous year’s national elections.
Construction tenders for projects at Eberege and Kiru Primary schools were given to his supporters, which were perceived as a form of political patronage.
One Principal, who teaches in a different region but is concerned about the situation in Kenyenya, advised the MP to seek guidance from experienced teachers who can provide a long-term perspective, rather than relying solely on younger individuals with short-term ambitions.
Regarding interference in the NG-CDF, the Principals warned the MP against adopting a hire-and-fire policy, which had led to the rejection of his predecessor, Prof Zadoc Ogutu, by the voters.
They suggested reinstating the Constituency Office Manager instead of showing favoritism towards a relative, emphasizing that the constituency office should be impartial and hire deserving and competent individuals.
The Principals expressed their gratitude to the CS for Education, Ezekiel Machogu, for his consultative approach to education matters and promised to support him and the government’s initiatives.
They appealed to the CS to consider visiting the region and supporting a common educational project. Kenyenya Secondary School was earmarked for support, given its central location and significant need for development.
When asked to comment on the allegations, MP Obadiah Barango denied them, asserting that he was serving his constituents well.
Speaking from his constituency office, the MP encouraged the Principals to submit development proposals from their schools for funding instead of engaging in what he referred to as “mileage politics.”
By Enock Okong’o
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