In response to increasing cases of student unrest and tragic incidents in schools across the Nyanza region, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has initiated the transfer of several school principals.
Among the affected is Ramba High School Senior Principal, Wyclife Manoah, who has been moved to Nambale High School in Busia County.
This development follows a tragic incident at Ramba High School in Rarieda, Siaya County, where two students lost their lives after falling into a collapsed school toilet. The students had reportedly been standing on the structure when it suddenly gave way.
The unfortunate incident led to public outrage and prompted demands from students and other stakeholders for the immediate removal of Principal Manoah, citing what they described as high-handedness and poor leadership.
In Manoah’s place, the TSC has appointed Dr. Patrick Odhier, the outgoing principal of Magunga High School. Dr. Odhier has been instructed to assume duties at Ramba High School immediately.
His appointment has been met with optimism, as he is not new to the institution, having previously served there as the director of studies during the tenure of Canon James Okoyo.
Dr. Odhier is also widely experienced, with previous roles as deputy principal at Barding High School under Victor Makanda, now chief principal at St Mary’s School Yala, and at Sawagongo High School under Maurice Ogutu.
Dr. Odhier is credited with significantly improving enrollment and school performance during his time at Magunga. When he joined the school, it had a student population of 500, which had grown to 1,300 by the time of his departure. His leadership is expected to bring stability and reform to Ramba High School in the wake of recent turmoil.
Siaya County Director of Education, Mbugua Kabaki, confirmed that investigations into the incident involving the collapsed toilet are ongoing. Meanwhile, students who had been sent home after the tragedy have since returned to school but continued to insist on leadership changes before settling down.
Education stakeholders in Rarieda have previously expressed dissatisfaction with Manoah’s administration, raising concerns over alleged mismanagement and the deteriorating welfare of students.
The TSC’s decision to transfer him appears to be a response aimed at restoring normalcy and reinforcing accountability in school leadership.
