Gloves Off as Makini Schools Manager Takes on Radical Parent

On Friday 15th March,  2024, Makini School took out an full-colour, half-page advertisement in three leading Kenyan newspapers to set the record straight on an issue that appears to be a big bother to the institution’s operations.

The ad read in part : “After years of restraint and attempts to resolve this matter diplomatically, Makini Schools terminated its agreement with Nixon Bugo as a parent at the school and initiated legal proceedings for defamation, to seek justice and restore any reputational damage suffered as a result of his actions. Recent events have underscored the financial repercussions of endorsing actions without due diligence, exemplified by parents inadvertently entangled in Nixon’s personal legal battles. It is regrettable yet necessary to issue this statement outlining the facts, anticipating further fallout as parents become aware of the misconduct by this individual.”

Mr Nixon Bugo, the man who has become a thorn in the side of Makini Schools’ management, is no stranger to controversy. Currently embroiled in a high-profile defamation lawsuit brought against him by Makini Schools, Bugo’s actions have ignited debate and drawn nationwide attention. This is not his first time he is making waves in the legal arena; ten years ago, Bugo was the central figure in a significant dispute with his employer at the time.

In the current case, Bugo is accused of defamation by Horace Mpanza, the regional managing director of Makini Schools. Mpanza alleges that Bugo has been inciting parents against him. As the chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) at Makini Schools, Bugo claims his duty is to advocate for the welfare of students, staff, and parents. However, his aggressive approach has led to significant conflict with the school’s management.

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Bugo’s accusations against Mpanza include claims that he carries firearms on campus and engages in anti-social activities with students. Furthermore, Bugo has publicly accused Mpanza of being aggressive towards teachers, students, and staff. These sensational allegations have fuelled long-standing disputes within the school, bringing issues such as student enrolment, infrastructural deficiencies, and staff management into the spotlight.

Mpanza has sought and obtained a court order from Principal Magistrate Sammy Opande to restrain Bugo from making further defamatory remarks. He argues that Bugo’s statements were intended to cause distress, embarrassment, and damage to his relationship with parents and stakeholders and that Nixon ougt to have known that his statements were false.

Bugo has a history as a rabble-rouser. A decade ago, on 17th December, 2014, Bugo took legal action against his then-employer, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). During his tenure as Head of Banking and Innovative Finance at AGRA, Bugo’s professional conduct came under intense scrutiny. A whistleblower’s report prompted a review of AGRA’s procurement process, particularly a tender overseen by Bugo.

The AGRA whistleblower alleged that certain Technical Service Providers (TSPs) gained undue advantage before the official call for proposals. Comprehensive Risk Assessment Holdings (CRAH) accused Bugo of providing an expression of interest (EOI) prematurely and failing to disclose his connection with the bidder, a clear violation of ethical standards.

AGRA engaged KPMG to investigate Bugo, leading him to seek an injunction to halt the investigation. However, his attempts to stop both the investigation and the subsequent disciplinary process were unsuccessful. Principal Judge Mathews Nderi Nduma ruled that AGRA should be allowed to complete the disciplinary process without court interference.

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In the ongoing defamation case, Mpanza maintains that Bugo’s accusations are unfounded. He asserts that he has never assaulted anyone and does not own a gun, emphasizing that no firearms are allowed on the school campus, with strict security checks in place.

Advtech, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), increased its stake in Makini Schools to 90 percent in 2020, ending a 42-year ownership by the Okelos. By 2021, Advtech raised its stake to 94 percent and introduced the Cambridge International Curriculum alongside the local syllabus. Besides Kenya and South Africa, Advtech operates high-end schools and tertiary institutions in Botswana, and is exploring opportunities in other African countries, catering to the middle class and expatriates working for multinationals, foreign governments, and global institutions.

Nixon Bugo’s actions, both past and present, illustrate his role as a provocateur within the educational and professional spheres. His aggressive tactics and controversial claims have kept him in the spotlight, drawing both criticism and attention to the issues at Makini Schools and beyond.

The decision by Makini School to take out the advert and tackle the issue head on signals a management that is at the end of its rope with the antics of the instigator. Will the new school win?

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