Mukumu Girls’ Alumnae Association Calls for Leadership Changes in Wake of Deadly Disease Outbreak
The alumnae association of Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls’ school has called for immediate leadership changes in the wake of a devastating outbreak of waterborne disease that resulted in the deaths of three students and a boarding mistress.
In a press statement released on April 14, the association expressed disappointment with the current leadership’s response to the crisis and urged various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission, and the County of Kakamega Education officials, to intervene and address the systemic challenges in the school.
The association, led by chairperson Enid Busolo, emphasized the need for proper investigations into the causes of the outbreak and held the current Principal, Mrs. Fridah Ndolo, and other potentially culpable individuals accountable.
They called for Mrs. Ndolo and/or any other person found responsible to step aside to allow for the investigations to take place without interference. Furthermore, the association recommended immediate leadership changes in the school to enable a fresh start and initiate the healing process for the affected students, teachers, and staff.
The recent death of the school’s boarding mistress, Juliana Mujeme, on April 13 added to the tragedy. Her family revealed that she had exhibited symptoms similar to those reported by the three students who had previously passed away, and it was suspected that she had been infected with bacteria from contaminated food and water.
Mujeme had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at Lifecare Specialty Hospital in Eldoret after being transferred from Oasis Hospital in Kakamega. She left behind a husband and two children.
This unfortunate turn of events occurred just weeks after the school had been temporarily closed and students had been sent home due to the outbreak of the disease. Preliminary findings from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) had identified contaminated water and food as the likely cause of the outbreak, further highlighting the urgent need for action and leadership changes at the school.
The alumnae association’s call for leadership changes in Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls’ school is a plea for swift and effective measures to address the crisis and ensure the health and safety of the students and staff.
It reflects the deep concern and sorrow felt by the association and the wider community over the tragic loss of lives and the impact of the outbreak on the school. The association’s statement emphasizes the importance of accountability, proper investigations, and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Mukumu Girls’ Alumnae Association Calls for Leadership Changes in Wake of Deadly Disease Outbreak