Head of School Lenana 1978, 1979, 1980

Plus the head of school who crafted the words of the school anthem

The office of the head of school in Lenana has an interesting history. Campaigning for head boy has destroyed many Changerians who have failed to make it, it has also destroyed many who have unexpectedly ended up as HOS. But admittedly the folks in the majority are those who have been spurred to work even harder for success out there after they failed to get to the ultimate office in school.

That is just my informed opinion that has emerged from very careful observation over the years I was at Lenana and also research on head of schools long before I got to changes. We will probably discuss this issue in greater detail later but for now I want to say a few things about the head boys at Lenana in 1978, 1979 and 1980.

In 1978 the head boy was Ken Sagala. A rather tall guy with good looks who hailed from James House. Am told that the choice was a little unexpected and took many by surprise.

In 1979 the head of school was a guy called Mogere who came from Carey Francis. I remember him as a huge bulky guy who played rugby for the first 15 somewhere in the scrum and had a high-pitched voice which was unusual for a guy built like that.

In 1980 the head of school was Andy Mwenesi. In my mind Andy stood out in those 3 years. He was the kind of guy who comfortably carried a lot of authority. The corridor up-school would empty in seconds when he was spotted as far off as the music class coming from block 5.. And it did not matter that the 2:00pm bell for classes had not yet rung. Nobody wanted to get on the wrong side of the Head of school that year.

Mwenesi was from Mumia house and played rugby in the scrum for the first 15. In sixth form I believe he was 8th man.

But Andy had another achievement that will forever etch his name in the history books at Lenana. He was responsible for coming up with the words of the school anthem which I am told is still used today.

The thing about Andy is that he knew when to get really serious but also knew when to really get loose and have fun. He seemed to always so effortlessly shift gears. Still he was one of the most respected head boys in Lenana over many years.