KNUT demands removal of Makueni education director over abuse of office

On Monday, September 21, 2026, education union officials from the Makueni Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) branch made a strong statement, storming the Makueni County Commissioner’s office. Their demand was clear: the immediate removal of County Director of Education Lydia Mutegi. The union accused Mutegi of abusing her position in several ways, each backed by evidence from the petition presented to the authorities.

Benson Ndambuki, the secretary of the KNUT Makueni Branch, led the charge. He alleged that Mutegi had been misusing education funds and intimidating teachers. Ndambuki claimed that the director had been coercing teachers into contributing money to her personal account, with the collections organized through a WhatsApp group she allegedly created.

According to Ndambuki, heads of institutions had been asked to contribute money for personal matters, raising serious concerns about the separation of education functions and personal finances.

Furthermore, the unionists pointed to the collection of Ksh30 from all secondary school students in the county, which they estimated could total around Ksh3 million if every student participated. They demanded an explanation for how this money was being used. Ndambuki emphasized that no head of institution should be forced to contribute any money for government services.

The petition also detailed further misconduct by Mutegi. It alleged that she had been withdrawing funds from the education accounts without the required authorization from multiple signatories, in violation of public finance management regulations. Ndambuki highlighted that these withdrawals were often made by the director alone, sometimes accompanied by just one other person.

Additionally, the union accused Mutegi of interfering with grade 10 placements, a decision reportedly affecting schools like Matiliku Boys. Ndambuki stated that teachers who questioned directives from the Director’s office were intimidated and threatened with disciplinary action, creating an environment of fear that hindered effective work.

The personal assistant to Makueni County Commissioner Peter Kimani, who received the petition, confirmed that he had briefed the Commissioner on the issues raised. Kimani was tasked with finding a way forward following the union’s demands. However, by the time of the story being filed, efforts to reach Mutegi for a comment were unsuccessful, leaving the situation unresolved.