By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 10 November 2025 - The discovery of the body of Simon Isiaho Shange, principal of Munyuki Secondary School in Lugari, Kakamega County, floating in Kipkaren River on Saturday—five days after his mysterious disappearance—has sent shockwaves through the teaching community.
This incident, coupled with the recent arrest of a suspect in the kidnapping of a headteacher in Kirinyaga, has heightened fears among educators.
Shange vanished on 3 November 2025 while he was on his way to collect Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers. It was reported that he was involved in a road accident along the Eldoret-Malaba Highway.
His vehicle was found crashed at the notorious Muge blackspot, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Witnesses reported seeing him injured at the scene, yet he disappeared shortly afterwards.
His family endured days of anguish, with his wife and children appealing for information.
Protests broke out in the area after his body was recovered, as locals demanded answers from the authorities.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula vowed to pursue justice until the perpetrators are apprehended.
"Teachers must be respected. We want the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers from Nairobi and Kakamega to investigate the circumstances leading to Shange's death," Mr Savula said.
He emphasised that suspects, regardless of their position, must be arrested and arraigned in court.
Police have initiated an investigation, though the cause of death remains undetermined, fuelling suspicions of foul play.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera has intervened, calling on the DCI to conduct a swift probe.
In a letter dated 8 November 2025, Mr Nabwera expressed concern for Shange's family and the wider community.
Through his lawyer, Danstan Omari, the MP has urged the DCI to expeditiously investigate the events surrounding the principal's death.
He also requested that statements be recorded from three bloggers—Peter Amunga, George Opunga Tamata, and Simon Asievela—whom he accuses of disseminating false information.
"Following the tragic accident involving the Principal of Munyuki High School, Simon Isiaho Shange, along the busy Eldoret-Malaba Highway, a number of bloggers led by Mr Peter Amunga, Mr George Opunga Tamata, and Mr Simon Asievela have been spreading unqualified, ill-intended, and malicious statements alleging that our client, Mr Nabwera, had a hand in the accident and the mysterious disappearance of the said principal," Mr Omari stated in his correspondence to the DCI.
The lawmaker has asked the DCI to intervene and dispel the ongoing malicious and unfounded allegations, which he says are damaging his character despite his role as a public servant.
"We hereby write to you seeking your intervention in getting to the bottom of the allegations and the events herein," Mr Omari requested.
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Mr Nabwera believes that DCI investigations will eliminate doubts among the principal's family and friends regarding his alleged involvement in the accident and disappearance.
Additionally, he has demanded that the three bloggers remove the inaccurate publications from the social media platform "Malava Online", retract their statements, issue apologies, and pay KSh 60 million in damages for defaming his character.
The MP stated that the falsehoods have tarnished his reputation and undermined the cordial relationship he shared with the principal.
"Pull down, erase, or cause to disappear from your blog, sites, and all other platforms the defamatory statements you published about Nabwera," Mr Omari demanded of the bloggers.
Should they fail to comply, Mr Nabwera has warned that he will pursue a defamation suit against them. He further urged the DCI to question the bloggers to clear his name and reveal the truth.
This case emerges amid a troubling increase in abductions targeting school leaders.
On 4 November 2025, Joshua Kerai, headteacher of Gatuto Primary School in Kirinyaga County, was kidnapped in Kagumo.
Assailants forced him into a maroon Toyota Ractis and drove him around for hours before abandoning him at Sahara Petrol Station in Kutus.
A passer-by discovered him in distress and took him to a hospital in Kerugoya, where he received treatment and was discharged.
Detectives arrested the prime suspect, Patrick Gacoki Muembe, in Kutus Town on Monday, following forensic and intelligence leads.
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Kirinyaga County Police Commander Alfred Okengo confirmed the arrest, adding that two accomplices remain at large.
The motive is still under investigation, and the public is encouraged to provide any relevant information.
Muembe is being held at Kerugoya Police Station pending the completion of DCI inquiries and arraignment in court.
These incidents underscore a wider crisis.
On Sunday, teachers in Kakamega declared they would not cease their pursuit of justice.
Examination invigilators have threatened to down tools, while KCSE examiners have warned of boycotting the marking of papers unless Shange's case is thoroughly investigated.
Mysterious Death of Kakamega Teacher Sparks Fear Amid Surge in Headteacher Abductions
Concern Over a Rising Wave of Abductions and Suspicious Incidents
