Tension continues to rise in Lugari Constituency as teachers threaten to disrupt the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations over the mysterious death of Simon Isiaho Shange, the Principal of Munyuki Secondary School, whose body was retrieved from the Kipkaren River after he went missing for six days.
The postmortem examination to determine the cause of his death is expected to be released today at the Kakamega County Referral Hospital. The report is highly anticipated and is likely to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident that has left the education fraternity in shock and mourning.
Shange’s disappearance last week sent the community into panic, with family members, colleagues, and residents conducting frantic searches across Lugari and neighbouring areas. His body was later discovered floating in the river, bearing signs that have raised suspicion of foul play. The incident has sparked outrage among teachers and residents, many of whom believe the principal was murdered.
The death has triggered strong reactions from teachers, who have expressed anger over what they term as growing insecurity faced by educators in the region. They argue that cases of threats, intimidation, and violence against teachers have been on the rise, with little action taken by relevant authorities.
Western Region Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary Patrick Chungani condemned the killing, describing it as a tragic attack on the teaching profession.
“We have lost a dedicated, selfless teacher who gave his all to nurture and transform young lives,” said Chungani. “The brutal manner in which his life was taken is unacceptable. We demand a thorough, transparent, and speedy investigation to bring those responsible to justice.”
ALSO READ:
JSS intern teachers intensify push for confirmation through advocacy event across Counties
Chungani further warned that unless the government moves with urgency to resolve the matter, teachers across the region may not guarantee the smooth running of national examinations.
“Teachers are angry and frightened. We cannot pretend that everything is normal when one of our own has been killed under unclear circumstances. Justice for Shange is justice for all teachers,” he added.
The statement reflects growing discontent among educators, who say their safety and welfare have been neglected for far too long. Several teachers in Lugari have already hinted at a boycott of examination supervision duties, a move that could disrupt the ongoing KCSE exams if the situation is not addressed promptly.
Residents of Munyuki and surrounding villages have held candlelight vigils and peaceful gatherings in memory of the late principal. Many described Shange as a disciplined administrator, a humble leader, and a pillar of the local community who worked tirelessly to uplift education standards in the area.
“He was a father figure to many of us,” said one parent. “His death has left a wound that will take a long time to heal.”
As the region awaits the postmortem results, emotions remain high. Teachers are calling for enhanced protection and accountability, saying Shange’s death must not become another unresolved tragedy.
The late Simon Isiaho Shange is remembered as a visionary educator, mentor, and community leader whose dedication to academic excellence transformed lives across Lugari. His sudden and mysterious death has not only robbed the education sector of a committed teacher but also exposed the deepening concerns over the safety of those entrusted with shaping Kenya’s future generation.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
