This archive report was first published on 22 August 2021.
On August 22, 2021, a dispute erupted at Mama Watoto Academy in Kombani, Kwale County, over the ownership of the private school.
Marta Oreja, a Spanish national, had been supporting the school through her registered charity organisation, Supporting Healthcare, which she runs in Kenya. She had been sending Titus Asibabi, the school's manager, Sh90,000 monthly to support the children.
However, upon her return to Kenya, Ms Oreja discovered that Mr Asibabi had been charging parents school fees and allegedly embezzling charity funds. She dismissed him and hired a new manager.
Ms Oreja claimed that no parent was supposed to pay school fees, as she took care of everything, including food, uniforms, and shoes. She accused Mr Asibabi and his wife of charging school fees from poor families, which she found unacceptable.
Mr Asibabi, however, denied the allegations, claiming that Ms Oreja was trying to grab the school he founded with his wife. He asked the Ministry of Education to investigate the matter and arrest Ms Oreja for 'exposing the children'.
The dispute has put the school at risk of being closed, leaving 115 learners between baby class and grade two in limbo.
