From class to cheers: Oliver Minishi rules stage and sports

You are widely regarded as a legend in both school drama and sports, When you look back, how would you describe your journey?

 It has been a long, demanding, but fulfilling journey. I started as a teacher of Physics and Mathematics, but somewhere along the way, I discovered that my true calling extended beyond the classroom. I found myself drawn deeply into theatre and sports. Over the years, I have been fortunate to nurture talent in different schools including Butere Girls, Bungoma High, Koyonzo, Kakamega School and Nanyuki Boys. Each institution shaped me just as much as I shaped it.

 You are not a literature teacher, yet you’ve dominated the drama scene, How did that happen?

 Many find it surprising. My parents taught Physics and Mathematics, but my mother was also an artist and singer, so I grew up in a blend of science and art. I merged the two. My interest in performance began early. My brothers once kept a small lion as a playful attraction, and when they hosted friends, my sister and I would stage small acts. That experience sparked something in me. Later, I came to see drama as a way to organise thought, express emotion and teach life lessons.

 Your early success at Butere Girls High School is often cited as a turning point.

 In 1989, I produced *A Step in the Mind*, which won at the national level. That moment changed everything. Soon after, I was transferred to Bungoma High School, where I directed Black Spot, which also excelled at the provincial level.

 From there, my journey gathered pace. At Kakamega High School, we built something truly special.

 Kakamega School became a powerhouse under your leadership, not just in drama but also in sports. How did you manage both?

 I have always believed that education is not just about academics. It is about unlocking potential. At Kakamega School, we didn’t separate talent from learning, we integrated it.

In drama, we consistently competed at the highest levels, winning 12 national titles over two decades. In sports, the Green Commandos” became a force winning national titles in rugby and football, and even competing at East African level. What mattered most was discipline, commitment and belief. Once students understand that, they can excel in any field.

 Many players and performers credit you for shaping their lives. What was your philosophy as a coach and director?

 I treated my students as individuals with unique destinies. I always told them: God has created you with a purpose, but the world will test you. My role was to help them discover and unlock that purpose.

In drama, I pushed them to think deeply about characters and themes. In sports, I demanded discipline and teamwork. But beyond that, I listened to them. Many came with personal challenges and together we found ways to overcome them.

You’ve also mentioned mentorship playing a key role in your growth. tell us about that?

 I owe much to Prof Charles Ong’ondo. After every performance, I would seek his guidance—sometimes as late as 2am—calling him about a character I was struggling with. He never turned me away. He would listen, ask questions and guide me through. That process shaped me as  a writer and director, and taught me humility: no matter how skilled you are, there is always room to grow.

 Your works like The Storm, Metamorphosis, The Web and The Burdens are widely recognised. What inspires your scripts?

 Life. Real-life struggles, moral dilemmas and societal issues. I am interested in how individuals navigate challenges, poverty, identity, injustice, and destiny. For example, Metamorphosis explores transformation, while The Burdens looks at the weight people carry in life. I try to make my stories relatable, especially for young people who are still figuring out their place in the world.

 You’ve had a demanding career. How did it affect your family life?

 One of the hardest parts of my journey was family. I was often absent for my children, especially when they were young, as I immersed myself in creative writing and directing. In hindsight, something was lost in that space. They may have needed me more. I hope they understand I was also shaping other children’s lives. If I could turn back time, I would strive for a better balance.

 Your wife has also been mentioned as a key pillar in your journey.

 Without a doubt. Behind every successful man, there is a strong support system. My wife, children and extended family made it possible for me to do what I do. They carried me through the toughest times. My wife, in particular, would remind me about family responsibilities. Sometimes I listened, sometimes I was too consumed by work but her support never wavered.

 After leaving Kakamega School, you founded Fesbeth Academy. What was your vision?

 I wanted to create a space where talent could be fullynurtured academically, artistically and in sports. At Fesbeth, we focus on developing the whole student. We have rugby teams, including girls’ rugby and we are exploring basketball as well. The goal is to expose students to as many opportunities as possible. Education should produce individuals who are not just knowledgeable, but also creative, confident and productive for the country.

 You also ventured into business at some point, How did that go?

 I tried the matatu business and I failed. That experience taught me an important lesson: know your strengths. I realised that my true strength lies in education. So I returned to it, but this time with a broader vision building institutions and nurturing talent at a deeper level.

 You later pursued higher education in theatre arts despite your science background. What motivated that?

 I wanted to formalize my passion. After secondary school teaching, I felt I could also impact lives at the university level. When I applied to study theatre arts, many universities rejected me because I didn’t have a background in the field. But Kenyatta University gave me a chance. That opportunity changed everything. It showed me that sometimes, all someone needs is a chance.

 Your former students speak highly of your discipline and mentorship. What do you remember most about them?

 Their loyalty and love. Some would come to my house just to check on me. Others would bring me newspapers if they thought I hadn’t read the news. They were not just students, they became family. Their challenges pushed me to think, to innovate and to grow. In many ways, they made me who I am

 Looking back, what would you say is your greatest achievement?

 It is not the trophies or titles though they are important. My greatest achievement is the lives I have touched. When I see former students succeeding in different fields, when I hear them say I made a difference—that is what matters most. Trophies gather dust, but impact lives on.

What message would you give to young teachers, coaches and artists?

 Be passionate. Be patient. And most importantly, believe in your students. Do not limit yourself to your subject area. If you are a science teacher and you love art, pursue it. If you are a coach, be a mentor too. And always remember every child has a destiny. Your role is to help them discover it.

 How would you like to be remembered?

 As someone who gave his best. As a teacher who cared, a director who inspired, a coach who believed and a father who tried—even with his imperfections. Because at the end of the day, we are all works in progress.