TSC Refutes Claims of Butere Girls Principal’s Transfer Amid ‘Echoes of War’ Controversy

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has rejected rumors about the transfer of the principal of Butere Girls High School, which has been embroiled in controversy over the drama production “Echoes of War.”

Wilson Koros, the TSC Director for Kakamega County, spoke to reporters via phone and acknowledged the circulating rumors but confirmed that no transfer has taken place.

“There has been no official announcement regarding the transfer of the Butere Girls principal. I have seen the online reports, but they are false,” Koros stated.

He continued: “I am currently in Naivasha for training with my regional director, and I have not approved any such claims. There is nothing even remotely related to that.”

This statement follows criticism from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who condemned the school’s administration for violating national regulations by allowing a non-teacher to direct the play.

In a press release issued on Thursday, Ogamba pointed out that the school’s choice to hire former UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala as the director of the play violated Section 9.0 Note C of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF) guidelines.

This section specifies that only TSC-registered teachers or qualified lecturers from recognized post-secondary institutions are permitted to train or direct student performances.

“We cannot permit individuals to manipulate school children against authority. Political conflicts should be resolved by politicians outside educational settings,” Ogamba remarked.

He also cautioned school principals against ignoring TSC regulations in extracurricular activities, emphasizing that such actions undermine professionalism and expose students to inappropriate influences.

Ogamba referenced a potential violation of Regulation (x) of the drama and film festival rules, which bans hate speech or derogatory content aimed at individuals, communities, or genders, whether performed on stage or shared online.

He criticized the Butere Girls administration for not adhering to the TSC Code of Conduct and Ethics (2015), which emphasizes maintaining professional boundaries and protecting students from unauthorized individuals.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Ogamba reiterated the Ministry of Education’s dedication to fostering student talent through extracurricular programs, while stressing the importance of following established guidelines.

The play “Echoes of War,” directed by Malala, has become a focal point of national debate following its reintroduction into the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival.