Mandera secondary school heads divided over election of KESSHA officials

The election of officials of the Mandera County chapter of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) has divided members, with some saying regulations were not followed.

Those who disputed the vote elected Mahat Adan, the principal of Neboi Secondary School in Mandera East, as chairman; Mohamed Abdirahman, the principal of Arabia Boys Secondary School, as secretary; and Halima Musa of Lafey Girls' Secondary School as treasurer.

They also elected Mohamed Sharif, the principal of Khalalio Boys', as the organising secretary.

The other faction chose Ali Hassan Ismail, the principal of Khadija Girls Secondary School, for the chair post; Mohamed Maalim Ismail (Dandu Secondary School) as the secretary; and Hodhan Ibrahim (Rhamu Girls') as treasurer.

Mahat said the March 23 election was marred by individuals disregarding the association's constitution, who filled positions without following the due process of consensus or ballot.

He told a press conference on Sunday that this resulted in no legitimate election taking place and the declaration of officials who do not represent the diversity and constitutional requirements mandated by KESSHA and the Kenyan constitution.

"We, as KESSHA members in Mandera County, do not recognise those chosen as KESSHA heads. They cannot transact any business on behalf of KESSHA," he declared.

Mohamed said these circumstances forced them to choose officials through a proper election process as outlined in the KESSHA constitution, ensuring continuity and upholding the association's values.

Ali, the incumbent chair, expressed disappointment over the dispute among members but urged them all to unite and collaborate for the association's prosperity.

"I am calling upon my fellow members not to remain divided but rather to join hands so that KESSHA may prosper," he said, further inviting them to fill the vacant positions, including vice chairman, vice secretary, vice organising secretary, and woman representative.

The opposing sides both say they are keen on resolving the dispute through dialogue and with adherence to the constitutional processes outlined by KESSHA.