Mukumu Girls chef reveals new details, says principal ordered him to cook poisonous food for students
A chef at Mukumu Girls High School has revealed new details about the institution’s management, which has been downplaying the concerns voiced about the quality of food supplied for students.
Douglas Muchela was one of the victims of the recent pandemic that struck the school when kids and a portion of the teaching and non-teaching staff consumed tainted food.
He was recently admitted to the hospital after experiencing stomach-related complications similar to the students.
Muchela claims that the school administration has been unwilling to address the issues identified for the benefit of the children.
He told Nation.Africa in an interview that he has often jeopardized his employment by telling the truth to authorities.
“Sometimes, we could get beef that was not palatable. When I saw such, I would reject it and say that I won’t cook it. The cateress could then report me to the principal who would summon me and order me to cook. When that happened, teachers opted not to eat it but students had no option,” he narrated.
“We never had a formal meeting. I have interacted with her only because of the many cases reported to her office,” he says.
Unfortunately, the school’s governing board would agree with the school administration, and he would be powerless to save the pupils from an impending pandemic.
“The board told me to follow the principal’s word and do the work as she pleased and not what I know. How can I do that? I am the cook, the principal is not one, so I have to do what I know best,” he says.
“I told her that the kitchen was in a bad state. The ugali had a weird smell and was difficult to eat. She called the head cook and cateress and one other cook to her office, but they all said I was an inciter and should be transferred to the bakery,” he recalls.
“I am a pastor, and I say the truth. I knelt in the principal’s office and told her the kitchen was flawed. No action was taken, even the bursar was there and he told me that since I am a serial complainer I should write a letter to be paid my dues and retire,” he adds.
