Parents of St. Monica’s Girls High School staged protests in Kitale town demanding the immediate transfer of Principal Grace Ataro Adhiambo, citing widespread mismanagement and unsafe conditions at the institution.
The parents vowed not to allow their children to return until Ataro is replaced.
The protests follow riots at the school a week ago, which led to students being sent home.
The parents, who marched to the county education offices, presented a detailed list of grievances, claiming that the principal is unfit to remain in her position.
“There are significant concerns about the school’s deteriorating academic performance. Mrs. Ataro has failed to maintain standards since her appointment,” said one parent.
Among the safety concerns raised was inadequate fencing, leaving students vulnerable to harassment from strangers.
Reports of sexual harassment, students sneaking out to purchase alcohol, and unstable buildings were mentioned as critical issues being ignored by the administration.
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According to parents, the principal and her secretary have been involved in illegal activities such as collecting unaccounted-for funds, misappropriating school bakery profits, and manipulating school accounts.
The parents also expressed frustration over the forced collection of various fees, including a Ksh300 charge for church donations, which they claim does not reach the intended recipients.
Other allegations include the use of vulgar language towards students, a broken relationship between the principal and both staff and parents, and unprofessional management practices. The petition emphasized that the relationship between Mrs. Ataro and the broader school community had “completely broken down.”
Following the protests, the parents met with local authorities, including County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi, County Director of Education Pamela Akelo, and Teachers Service Commission officials.
Commissioner Oyagi urged parents to allow the students to return to school as investigations are launched into the allegations. However, the parents remain adamant that no learning will resume until the principal is transferred.
By Osborne Benn
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