By Nyang’au Araka
An extraordinary reunion unfolded on Friday—one woven with memory, gratitude, and the unmistakable warmth of lives shaped by a single teacher.
At 85, veteran educator Hezron Otiso welcomed a stream of former pupils from the 1960s, children he once moulded with firm discipline and unwavering conviction.
They came from schools including Naikuru, Manga DEB and Kineni—many now grey-haired, accomplished, and deeply grateful.
Among them was Kefa Onsare, once Otiso’s pupil at Naikuru.
Onsare went on to become a teacher, rose to the position of principal, retired, and now serves as a pastor.
“He was a strict disciplinarian and a very forthright administrator,” Onsare recalled, smiling at the memory.
“He taught us English, and he was particularly strict with spellings. He taught me how to use a dictionary—something I have never forgotten.”
Otiso sat, satisfaction punctuating his face, and sometimes he smiled broadly as his former learners made revelations about his past.
It was Otiso’s groundwork, Onsare added, that helped transform Naikuru Primary School into a strong institution that eventually birthed Naikuru Secondary School.
“Today, Naikuru Secondary is one of the biggest schools in Bobasi. My father was the school treasurer then, and he worked very well with Otiso. He laid a strong foundation.”
For many of Otiso’s pupils, the day felt like returning to the roots of their purpose.
Zachary Moturi, whom he taught between Standard 4 and 8, said the teacher’s mannerisms inspired him to join the teaching profession.
So did Richard Nyambega, now retired; as well as Zablon Omwenga, Otiso’s younger brother, who also became a teacher.
Others taught by the veteran educator included Samson Gwaro and Florence Nyangeri.
Otiso’s influence extended beyond the classroom and into his own home.
His children, Prof. Kefa Otiso and Dr. Rose Otiso, carry forward his legacy of service both in Kenya and abroad—proof that his lessons travelled further than he ever imagined.
Seated beside his elder brother, Andrew Oyaro, also a retired teacher, Otiso listened, laughed, and occasionally wiped away a tear as stories flowed.
The pupils who once feared his firm hand now spoke to him as comrades—almost siblings—united by time and memory.
For Otiso, the visit was deeply moving.
“To see them grown, serving, and returning to say thank you…it is a blessing,” he said.
“I’ve never seen anything close to this and may God bless them all, including those who wanted to attend but sent apologies.”
As the day ended, the power of a teacher’s imprint was unmistakable.
Simply, a life spent shaping others had come full circle—celebrated in heartfelt testimonies from the people he helped become themselves.
