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Why principals are jittery over security during KCSE exams
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) boss Willy Kuria addressing the press during a past conference in Mombasa.
The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) has condemned the brutal killing of the principal of Munyuki Secondary School in Lugari Sub-County, Kakamega County, and called for heightened protection of teachers during the ongoing national examinations.
The principal, Simon Isiaho Shange, reportedly died under mysterious circumstances on Monday, November 3, 2025, while on his way to collect Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers.
He was first reported missing for days before his body was recovered in a river. Kessha has now called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.
“According to reports, Mr Shange was involved in a road accident while on his way to collect KCSE examination papers. His vehicle was found at the accident scene, but his body was later discovered several kilometres away in River Chikali,” said Kessha Chairperson Willie Kuria.
Mr Kuria said the troubling discovery raises questions about what transpired between the time of the accident and the recovery of Mr Shange’s body.
He said preliminary reports suggest that Mr Shange may have been subjected to torture before his death, pointing to possible foul play.
He said the death of Mr Shange mirrors the 2016 killing of Kiru Boys’ High School Principal, Mr Solomon Mwangi, which also occurred during the national examinations period.
“In that incident, the then Minister for Education, Dr Fred Matiang’i, and the Homicide Department under the leadership of Mr Martin Nyuguto conducted thorough investigations that led to the arrest and prosecution of the culprits,” said Mr Kuria.
Kessha officials described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and urged the government to act swiftly.
“As Kessha, we are deeply concerned by this incident and strongly condemn the heinous act that has robbed the education fraternity of a dedicated, disciplined, and hardworking principal. Justice must be done,” said added Mr Kuria in a statement.
The association has called upon the Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Julius Ogamba (Education) to deploy the Homicide Department to take over the case.
Kessha described the late Mr Shange as a dedicated, disciplined, and hardworking educator, whose untimely death has robbed the education fraternity of a committed school leader.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Shange’s family, his students, staff, and the entire Munyuki Secondary School community during this difficult time,” the association said.
Kessha further raised concerns about the security of school heads and teachers, particularly during the national examinations period. He urged the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the relevant security agencies, to enhance protection measures for all school heads and examination officials across the country.
“This tragic incident also underscores the growing concern about the security and safety of school principals and teachers, especially during this critical national examination period. We urge the Ministry of Education and security agencies to enhance protection measures immediately,” said Mr Kuria, who is also Murang’a High School principal.
Kessha National Office is planning to visit Lugari in Kakamega County to stand in solidarity with the Munyuki Secondary School fraternity and the bereaved family.
In addition, a nationwide campaign will be launched by principals across Kenya to demand justice for their fallen colleague.
Meanwhile, the police have arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnapping, robbing and torturing a primary school head teacher in Kirinyaga County.
The suspects are being held at Kianyaga Police Station, pending arraignment, according to Kirinyaga County Police Commander Nelson Taliti.
Mr Joshua Kiarai, the head teacher of Gatuto Primary was reportedly kidnapped on November 4, 2025, at Kagumo town bus stage at around 7.30 pm when three people confronted and bundled him into a car and drove off.
The headteacher was robbed of his phone, identity card, and two bank ATM cards. The suspects allegedly drove him around and later abandoned him at a petrol station in Kutus town when the car failed to restart after they had stopped. They abandoned the shaken headteacher and ran away on foot.
Following the incident, detectives say, they traced the suspects to their hideout in Kutus town using forensic evidence and intelligence leads. Mr Taliti said a third suspect is on the run.
"The victim was found inside the car with his hands tied and rescued," he said.
He said detectives want to establish the motive of the kidnapping and the role of the owner of the car in the crime.
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