Kenya Basketball Federation Chairman Paul Agali Otula passes on

Kenya Basketball Federation Chairman Paul Agali Otula is dead.

Otula who is also a former Maseno School principal collapsed at his Nairobi home on Thursday morning, his family stated.

The late will be remembered for his excellence in school administration and his unmatched passion for sports, especially basketball.

Education stakeholders described Otula as a visionary leader and mentor who left a permanent mark on the institutions and lives he touched.

“We have lost a respected educationist who will be remembered for turning around the academic fortunes of Maseno School. He was an administrator par excellence. 

The basketball world too has lost a genius coach,” said Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima.

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Ben Orwasa, Director of Education at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Siaya County, recalled Otula’s early years of leadership.

“As a young principal those days, I secretly admired his style,” Orwasa said. 

“I learned a lot from him both directly and indirectly—especially during a benchmarking visit to Maseno School with other principals from Kericho in 2005.

Kenya Secondary School Heads Association chairman Willie Kuria eulogised Otula as a legend who not only coached but nurtured homegrown talent, steering schools to national recognition.

"He was a basketball gem, a towering citadel, enigmatic, and a movement in sports. We violently mourn his promotion to glory. Soldiers of his standing only fade away for they never pass away," he said.

In a statement, the Kenya Basketball Federation expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their chairman.

“Otula was a dedicated leader, mentor, and towering figure in Kenyan basketball. His passion, vision, and service to the game and the nation will never be forgotten,” the statement read. 

The federation said, that for over a decade, he has worked closely with different foundations in supporting various Basketball initiatives.

“He had a chequered career as a teacher of no mean repute; Principal of both Mangu High School and Maseno School; and an icon in basketball circles,” read the statement.

Otula was among the pioneer recipients of the prestigious Principal of the Year Award (POYA), a recognition given by KESSHA in partnership with TSC and the Ministry of Education.