The Lugari community, led by local leaders, raised over KSh 1 million during Saturday’s fundraiser to facilitate the burial arrangements of the late Munyuki Secondary School Principal, Simon Isiaho Shange.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at Munyuki Secondary School for a major fundraising event that drew prominent local leaders. The drive was led by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, who contributed KSh 250,000, the highest individual donation of the day.
Other leaders who made significant contributions included Deputy Governor Ayub Savula with KSh 110,000, ODM Communications Director Philip Etale with KSh 85,000, the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) Secretary General Isaac Andabwa, who offered KSh 55,000, and Lugari parliamentary hopeful Bryan Munika Liseche, whose contribution was not disclosed.
In total, the leaders’ contributions amounted to over KSh 948,000, excluding donations from residents. Organizers estimate that the final figure will reach KSh 1 million once community contributions collected during the event are fully tallied.
Among the local residents who supported the appeal was teacher Moses Gazemba, who donated KSh 7,000 and joined others in demanding justice for the late principal. Shange’s body was found in the Kipkaren River five days after his vehicle was discovered crashed under unclear circumstances, raising serious concerns within the community.
During the fundraiser, Governor Barasa and other leaders harshly criticized Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera for his alleged role in the teacher’s death. The MP was attending the burial of Goebay Institute Principal Dr. Julius Omuga instead. The leaders accused Nabwera of alleged interference in school affairs, intimidation of teachers, and complicity in the circumstances surrounding Shange’s death.
The late Mwalimu Shange’s body will be removed on Monday from the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) mortuary in Eldoret before being transported to Namunjiri in Likuyani Constituency, where he will be laid to rest on Tuesday.
![Curious residents gather outside a local shop in Makutano Market early Tuesday morning, where the body of a young man was discovered. [Photo: Courtesy]](https://westernkenyatimes.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/495471255_3365337416941744_823893642602691188_n-150x150.jpg)
