Itumbi Reveals Why Butere Girls Will Have a New Principal in the Next Two Months
Dennis Itumbi, the Head of Creative Economy and Presidential Special Projects, has clarified the reasons behind the upcoming retirement of the principal at Butere Girls High School, explaining that the change in leadership is unrelated to the recent controversies surrounding the school’s participation in the National Drama Festivals.
The principal, Itumbi confirmed, will retire in the next two months, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career in education.
In a detailed interview on Citizen TV, Itumbi addressed rumors that had been circulating on social media, which suggested that the principal was being punished or transferred to Wajir due to the drama surrounding the students’ performance at the festival.
These rumors had caused significant concern, leading many to question the motives behind the principal’s impending transfer. However, Itumbi was quick to refute these claims, stating that the principal’s retirement had already been planned well in advance and had no connection to the events at the festival.
“There is absolutely no retribution in this case,” Itumbi explained. “If my facts are correct, the principal at Butere Girls is actually going to retire sometime this year, in two months. She has had a stirring career as a teacher, and we will allow her to finish her call of duty.” He further emphasized that the principal’s contribution to education had been invaluable, and the government would honor her retirement, allowing her to conclude her service on her own terms.
The confusion about the principal’s transfer arose in the aftermath of the incident at the National Drama Festivals, which saw the students of Butere Girls subjected to teargas by the police. The event, which should have been a proud moment for the school, quickly became a national controversy.
The students had been preparing for months to stage their play Echoes of War, but due to a series of unfortunate events—including the arrest of their director, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, and a lack of proper equipment—the performance was disrupted.
The situation escalated further when the students, unable to proceed with the play, staged a walkout, singing the national anthem in protest. The use of tear gas by police in response to the unrest sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Itumbi addressed the broader issues surrounding the incident, acknowledging that the situation had been mishandled. He expressed regret on behalf of the government for the way the students were treated, particularly for the use of tear gas, which was seen as excessive by many.
“We are not only sorry for the tear gas but also for not managing this situation to its very end,” Itumbi stated. “I promise to sit down with my team and come up with remedies for what can be done moving forward.”
Despite the tumultuous events, Itumbi reassured the public that the drama surrounding the principal’s retirement was entirely unrelated to the festival incident.
He categorically stated that there was no intention of punishing the principal for the events that transpired and reiterated that the retirement process was a natural progression after many years of service.
The speculation surrounding the principal’s transfer had raised concerns about potential political interference or retribution for the school’s involvement in the national drama festival. However, Itumbi’s clarification provided a much-needed sense of transparency and assurance. He further underscored the importance of supporting educators, particularly those who have dedicated their careers to shaping the futures of young students.
Itumbi also expressed his personal admiration for the arts, revealing that he, too, is a playwright. He emphasized the importance of giving students like those at Butere Girls the opportunity to showcase their talents without unnecessary disruptions. “I am deeply appreciative of the arts, and I truly believe the students should have been allowed to stage their play as planned,” he said. “Unfortunately, the situation was marred by overzealous security personnel, but that should not overshadow the efforts of these young artists.”
In light of the events, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, the playwright behind Echoes of War, has announced plans to stage the play with an adult cast. He intends to film the performance and upload it to YouTube so that the public can enjoy the production, despite the setbacks the students faced. This decision has been welcomed by many who believe the students’ hard work and dedication deserve to be recognized.
Itumbi’s statements have helped to quell some of the confusion and concern surrounding the principal’s retirement and the broader situation at Butere Girls. While the events of the National Drama Festivals remain a point of discussion, his reassurances about the principal’s retirement have provided clarity and closed the chapter on any unfounded rumors regarding retribution.
As the principal prepares for her retirement in the coming months, the government and the public will continue to reflect on the lessons learned from the incident and seek ways to support the arts and education more effectively in the future.
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Itumbi Reveals Why Butere Girls Will Have a New Principal in the Next Two Months
