St. Bhakita Chuka Girls closed indefinitely after parents’ protests

St. Bakhita Chuka Girls’ High School was closed indefinitely on January 30, 2026, following intense protests by parents demanding the immediate removal of the Chief Principal, Ms. Joan Muchina. 

Parents stormed the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) offices and the Ministry of Education in Tharaka Nithi County, citing several grievances against the school’s leadership: 

A significant decline in school results and overall academic standards.Allegations of an abusive leadership style, intimidation of both staff and students, and gross misconduct.

Reports of the principal physically assaulting a teacher and forcing students to perform religious acts, such as bowing to statues, which parents found objectionable.

Parents accused the principal of closing the parents’ WhatsApp group whenever they raised concerns about student welfare. 

Following the demonstration, the school was shut down to prevent further unrest. However, subsequent reports indicate that the TSC has directed the Principal to step aside to allow the school to stabilize.

Students were initially scheduled to depart on January 31, but there are conflicting updates regarding whether normal school programmes will resume immediately following the administrative change.

By Anthony Solly