Power, Sabotage, and a Fallen Giant: Inside the Decline of Kakamega High School

Once the undisputed powerhouse of academics and sports in Western Kenya, Kakamega High School is now a shadow of its former self—and explosive revelations are pointing to a chilling reason: sabotage from within.

In what reads like a script from a political thriller, impeccable sources now claim that a former principal, hailed during his reign as a transformational leader, has been secretly pulling strings behind the scenes to ensure no successor outshines his legacy.

The principal in question, who led the school for over a decade, was transferred in 2018 to a school in the Rift Valley. But rather than leave quietly, he allegedly executed a devastating parting shot: orchestrating a mass exodus of the school’s top talent. Celebrated coaches in rugby, football, and drama—cornerstones of Kakamega’s co-curricular dominance—were reportedly persuaded or pressured to leave with him.

The result? A dramatic collapse in performance both in the classroom and on the pitch.

“This was no coincidence. It was a calculated move to cripple the institution,” said a source close to the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the claims.

Since then, the school has seen two chief principals—Gerald Orina and the outgoing Dr. Julius Mambili—struggle to steady a sinking ship. Both are believed to have operated under constant pressure and sabotage allegedly fueled by the same former principal, determined to protect what some now call a "manufactured legacy."

Dr. Mambili, who retires this week, leaves behind a fractured institution caught in a web of influence, ego, and sabotage.

“What’s happening at Kakamega is not just mismanagement—it’s an active campaign of destruction from someone who simply couldn’t let go,” a concerned senior teacher revealed.

Once famed for producing top scholars, national rugby champions, and drama festival legends, Kakamega High is now fighting to stay relevant. The school’s dwindling performance has alarmed alumni and education stakeholders, who are now demanding urgent intervention.

“How long will we watch our giant bleed while the saboteurs walk free?” asked an emotional alumnus during a recent meeting. “This is not just about Kakamega High—it’s about the future of our children.”

As the Ministry of Education faces growing pressure to investigate the allegations, the spotlight now turns to the incoming principal. Will they have the courage—and support—to break the cycle of sabotage and restore the institution’s shattered reputation?

One thing is clear: what’s ailing Kakamega High School is no longer just poor results. It’s a battle for legacy, control, and the soul of one of Kenya’s most iconic schools.