Former Butere Girls Principal Hellen Omoka Dies After Shaping School’s Growth

Former Butere Girls High School headmistress Hellen Naututu Omoka has died, leaving behind a legacy of school expansion and improved learning opportunities during her years in leadership.

Omoka led the western Kenya institution between 1975 and 1979, a period when enrolment increased and additional facilities were developed to accommodate more students.

Her death was announced by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who conveyed his condolences to party Secretary-General Eseli Simiyu, her nephew.

How Omoka Transformed Butere Girls

Historical records indicate that the school had about 650 students during Omoka’s tenure.

The number of ‘O’ Level streams increased from two to four, with the fourth stream introduced in 1977 following a fundraising initiative.

Additional dormitories were also constructed to provide accommodation for the growing student population.

Her administration further expanded academic opportunities by introducing the school’s first science class at A-Level in 1978.

Students were also offered a wider range of subjects, including home science, business education, fine art and physical education.

Sports and Clubs Expanded

Beyond classroom learning, extracurricular activities received attention during Omoka’s leadership.

Students participated in drama, choir, wildlife, young farmers and debate clubs, while sporting activities included hockey, netball, volleyball, athletics and badminton.

The expansion of these programmes provided learners with opportunities to develop talents and interests outside their academic work.

Omoka left the institution in 1979 to pursue further studies at Kenyatta University, with Lorna Ottaro succeeding her as headmistress.

On my own behalf and on behalf of my family and the larger @DAP_Kenya family,I wish to relay my condolences to SG @HonEseli on the loss of his aunt Hellen Naututu Omoka, formerly Principal Bunyore Girls ,Butere Girls and Kericho TTC. As a family you have lost a loving mother,aunt, grandmother whose generosity, warmth and kindness you will miss but as a Nation Kenya has lost a trailblazer who has left an indelible mark in the Education sector, and an educationist per excellence!May her soul rest in eternal peace.

— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) October 11, 2026

Wamalwa Mourns Educationist

In a message shared on X on Sunday, October 11, Wamalwa described Omoka as a trailblazer whose contribution to education had left a lasting mark.

He extended condolences on behalf of his family and the wider DAP-Kenya fraternity to Simiyu and other members of the bereaved family.

Wamalwa also remembered Omoka as a loving mother, aunt and grandmother whose warmth, generosity and kindness would be missed by those who knew her.

He described her as an outstanding educationist whose service had contributed to the development of generations of learners.

Her years at Butere Girls remain associated with increased enrolment, improved facilities and a broader academic and extracurricular programme.