Paul Otula: Former Maseno School Principal Dies after Collapsing at Nairobi Home
- Paul Otula, a celebrated educationist and former Maseno School Principal, has passed away after collapsing at his Nairobi home
- He served as chairperson of the Kenya Basketball Federation since 2010 and was instrumental in promoting the sport nationwide
- Otula was a respected academic leader, having headed top Kenyan schools and contributed to global education initiatives
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Margaret Wambua, a policy expert, reflected on the powerful impact Otula had on the country's academic ecosystem
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Nairobi: The sports and education fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the demise of Paul Agali Otula, a renowned educationist and former principal of the Maseno School.
Source: Facebook
He collapsed and passed away at his home in Nairobi after developing cardiac arrest early Thursday morning, May 1.
How did Paul Otula transform lives?
Otula was a distinguished academician, revered for his commitment to nurturing holistic learners through a blend of classroom pedagogy, sports, and community service.
His contributions to education spanned decades, having served as chief principal at Mang’u High School in Kiambu county, Maseno School in Kisumu county, and Sunshine Secondary School in Nairobi county.
Beyond the classroom, Otula was a respected sports administrator. Since 2010, he has served as the chairperson of the Kenya Basketball Federation, where he played a key role in promoting and developing the sport across the country.
The basketball fraternity has expressed deep sorrow over his sudden demise.
An active member of the Global Connections network — an international association of school heads — Otula was deeply engaged in global education initiatives.
He was also a prolific author and a frequent facilitator at workshops aimed at enhancing modern teaching methods.
Otula leaves behind a legacy of excellence in education and sports mentorship.
He will be remembered as a passionate educator who dedicated his life to shaping future generations both within and beyond the classroom.
Source: Facebook
His body has been taken to Lee Funeral Home.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Margaret Wambua, an education policy expert, reflected on the powerful impact Otula had on the country's academic ecosystem.
Wambua emphasized how his leadership style redefined excellence and responsibility in secondary education.
“Paul Otula believed that education should shape character just as much as intellect. He once told me that true leadership begins when boys are taught to become men of integrity and vision. His schools were not just institutions of learning, they were institutions of transformation," she told TUKO.co.ke.
Kenyans mourn ex-principal Paul Otula
Bernard Berry
"In a world full of uncertainty, Paul Agali Otula was a steady guide. With wisdom, strength, and compassion, he shaped not only my path but the person I am today. His presence was powerful yet gentle, his lessons silent but enduring."
Leting Kipkemboi
"A towering figure in the world of academia and sports. The news stung like a wasp. He kept reminding us that contrary to the populist phenomenon of boys being pampered, his was a school that manufactured men. May Paul Agali Otula find peace and favour at the feet of Christ. Rest in peace."
Mwalimu Wa Madisko
"Chief was a great man. He gave us hope when we the boys from humble backgrounds were almost giving up. Wise nuggets he delivered. He equally rebuked any unbecoming behaviour. His assemblies were like military parades where we stood with precision as he articulated his valuable points some boys even fainted. And now he rests. Journey well our giant, Paul Otula."
David Kyalo
"A great man has rested, Paul Otula, would remain a factor in our lives. The man who mentored many during our time in Maseno school. The man who not once would give us motivation and his speech never missed the words of JJ Willis. He taught us to present ourselves as gentlemen, infact the term 'boy' was never used in our our school. Rest in peace king."
Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were gunned down
In other news, the sudden assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were has left lawmakers and the public in deep mourning.
Were was gunned down on Wednesday, April 30, along Ngong Road, shortly after departing Parliament.
His body was transferred to Lee Funeral Home as investigations into the tragic killing remain ongoing.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
