Friday, January 14, 2005
How world's oldest pupil saved his headteacher's job
Oldest pupil in uniform
Story by JEFF OTIENO
Publication Date: 1/11/2005
The man believed to be the world's oldest primary school pupil nearly became the world's oldest dropout, after education chiefs transferred his headteacher to another school.
Mr Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge – he's 84 – actually walked out of school and threatened to quit unless they sent his headteacher back.
Last night education chiefs relented and decided Ms Jane Obinchu could go back to Kapkenduiywo primary, near Eldoret, after all.
Earlier, Mr Maruge had vowed not to return to class until Ms Obinchu was allowed back too – or the Government agreed to drive him free of charge to and from what was to have been her new school, at Ilula, 12 kilometres away.
He visited Nation's Eldoret office and narrated his planned move.
Still in his uniform of blue blazer, blue shirt, blue tie and a pair of blue shorts, he said "I want to know why they are transferring her; she has been so good to me ever since I joined the school."
He said school had not been the same since the decision was made to move Ms Obinchu.
"She gives me tea when I have not taken breakfast and also gives me permission to tend my sheep," said Mr Maruge.
Accompanied by an official of the Kenya National Association of Parents, Mr David Nyambane, he added that she also gave him breakfast, lunch and even supper, "most of the time".
Mr Maruge, a former freedom fighter, complained he was now only being taught Kiswahili and not English.
"I want to speak all the languages – Kiswahili, English and Kikuyu – but they are only teaching me Kiswahili," he said.
He continued: "She used to pay for my computer lessons; now I don't go for computers any more."
He added his former head also used to read and help him reply all his e-mail from friends abroad.
Mr Maruge, a senior prefect about to move to Standard Two, showed the Nation copies of his first, second and third term report cards in which he had scored As and Bs in subjects including English, Kiswahili, maths and religious education.
Ms Obinchu had herself protested at the planned move, telling education chiefs: "I have not complained or asked for a transfer from my current station. I have projects which I have started and wish to see completed."
Last night deputy municipal education officer John Mutia confirmed the transfer had been stopped in its tracks by the Director of Basic Education, Ms Mary Njoroge.
He added: "The changes will not occur and Mr Obinchu will continue to be headmistress of Kapkenduiywo primary school."
