Paul Otula Biography: Age, Career, Legacy & Death

He was known for his passion and dedication to impacting human lives. Before his death, Paul Otula was the epitome of grace and a towering figure among his colleagues—not only in stature but also in ambition.

Many have seen Paul Otula as somebody who revolutionized the basketball game in Kenya. His vast ideas, foresight, and vision have transformed young people in Kenya into the nation’s golden generation of basketballers.

Photo credit: eastleighvoice.co.ke

According to research, Paul Agali Otula is a Kenyan educationist, basketball coach, school administrator, and sports administrator who has served as the head teacher at several elite schools in Kenya over the past three decades.

In this article, we’ll discuss Paul Otula’s biography, highlighting his career impact in academics, sports, and, more importantly, basketball.

Paul Otula Biography/ Biography of Paul Otula

Paul Otula is a highly respected and dedicated leader, known for shaping young minds and developing sports in Kenya. Born on January 3, 1964, in Rachuonyo District, Homa Bay County, Kenya, east africa. He pursued his education in Kenya with a passion for leadership development and education. His commitment to education led him to become a teacher and later a principal at some of Kenya’s top schools.

He also served as a principal at Mang’u High School, Maseno School, and Sunshine Secondary School. His leadership transformed these institutions, improving academic performance and student discipline. At Maseno School, he introduced aviation technology as a subject, making it one of the few schools in Kenya that offered it.

Aside from academics, Otula was keenly involved in sports. He became the Chairman of the Kenya Basketball Federation in 2008, a position he held for several terms. Under his leadership, Kenyan basketball grew, with teams gaining international recognition.

Furthermore, Otula’s contributions earned him several awards, including the Principal of the Year Award (POYA). His efforts in education and sports made him a respected figure across Kenya.

In 2021, he left Sunshine Secondary School to pursue politics. Sadly, on May 1, 2025, he collapsed at his home in Nairobi and passed away. His death was a great loss to the education and sports community.

Otula’s impact on education and basketball remains strong. He mentored students, developed sports, and shaped Kenya’s academic landscape. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Early Life & Career Milestones

According to research, Mr Otula has dedicated his life to serving humanity, from academics to nurturing young people to reach their potential in basketball. Among schools Paul Otula teaches include:

Mang’u High School

Paul Otula served as a classroom teacher and basketball coach at Mang’u before becoming a Deputy Principal and, later, the school’s Principal.

Before his transfer from the school, he firmly refused to admit the child of a powerful member of Kenya’s then-KANU government led by former President Daniel Arap Moi. This led to his unceremonious ouster from the school’s leadership. He was transferred to Jamhuri High School in Nairobi County before a decision was made to send him to Maseno School as the Principal. His transfer led to mass protests by students over several days due to his acceptance and love from his students.

Maseno School

According to research, Maseno School, located in Kisumu County in Kenya, is one of the oldest formal education schools in the country.

But Otula succeeded long-serving principal Walter Okumu Amadi at Maseno School in late 2001.

His tour of duty at the school was marked by successes in multiple disciplines in and out of class. The school’s rugby team represented Kenya in the secondary school category in Dubai. At the same time, he led the school’s basketball team, which he coached, to victory at the Engen Africa Youth Basketball championships in Durban, South Africa, in 2003.

He is credited with introducing Aviation Technology as a teachable and examinable subject at Maseno School.

His highest point in academics at the school was in 2016 when the school was ranked as the best public school in the previous year’s national examinations and the second-best school in Kenya in those examinations overall. A year later, in 2017, he would be interdicted following alleged cases of sodomy at the school. The move led maseno students to led protests at the school and the resignation of the board of management.

Sunshine Secondary School

Paul Otula joined Sunshine Secondary School in Nairobi County as the Principal in 2018. He served until 2021 when he quit in anticipation of his run for the Karachuonyo parliamentary seat in his native Nyanza region in the 2022 General Elections.

Basketball

In 2008, Otula won the chairmanship of the Kenya Basketball Federation. Beginning a long stint at the helm of the country’s basketball governing body. He won his fourth term (the second term under the new Kenya Basketball Federation constitution) at the national basketball body in 2021. He is set to retire at the end of the term in 2024.

Paul Otula’s Educational Journey

Paul Otula’s pursuit of academics is marked by deep commitment and a desire to learn. He attended some of Kenya’s top institutions including kenyatta university, where he honed his skills in leadership development and education. His passion for teaching and mentorship became evident during his years as a student, as he actively engaged in academic discussions and actively participated in extracurricular activities.

He was always eager to contribute to educational activities and development. His influence and leadership style has shaped Kenya’s education sector. He also specialized in subjects which later enabled him to become an influential educator and administrator. His academic achievements earned him recognition among his peers and mentors, setting the stage for his future roles in school leadership.

His academic journey was a testament to his unwavering commitment to shaping the future of Kenya’s secondary school education system. His transformative power of education led him to advocate for co curricular activities, curriculum improvements and student-centred learning approaches.

Paul Otula Basketball Leadership

Otula’s deep involvement in basketball was driven by zeal and passion; to him, basketball was not just a hobby; it had long become a lifelong passion that he pursued with dedication. For instance, in 2008, he was elected Chairman of the Kenya Basketball Federation, a position he held for several terms. He used his versatile knowledge and experience to help transform Kenyan basketball, fostering talent and improving the sport’s visibility locally and internationally.

READ ALSO: Daisy Melanin Biography: Age, Life, Net Worth, Boyfriend, & Career

Under his tutelage, Kenyan basketball teams gained recognition in regional and global competitions and excelled worldwide. He worked closely with various organizations to promote the sport, ensuring young athletes had access to training, mentorship, and competitive opportunities. His dedication to basketball earned him respect within the sports community, and he was regarded as an exemplary and visionary leader.

Paul Otula Challenges & Controversies

Just like other influential figures, Otula faced challenges during his career. According to research, his tenure at Maseno School was marked by student protests following accusations that led to his interdiction in 2017. Despite these setbacks, he remained committed to sports and education, contributing to Kenya’s academic and athletic goal and development.

Paul Otula Academic Achievement & Recognition

Otula’s contributions earned him numerous awards, including the Principal of the Year Award (Poya), which grew his influence in the Kenyan education sector and sports. His efforts in education and sports made him a respected figure in Kenya. His leadership in basketball was recognized locally and internationally, with various organizations acknowledging his contributions to the sport.

His awards include, but are not limited to the following:

– In December 2005, Otula was awarded a Head of State Commendation (HSC) by former President Mwai Kibaki

– Fellow teachers voted Otula as the Principal of the Year.

READ ALSO: OBI Jackson Biography: Wiki, Age, Life, Career, & Net Worth 2025

Paul Otula Death

Around 2021, Otula left Sunshine Secondary School to pursue politics, aiming to represent his home region in the 2022 General Elections. His political transition reflected his desire to influence policy and contribute to national development.

Sadly, on May 1, 2025, Otula collapsed at his home in Nairobi and passed away. His sudden demise was a great loss to the education and sports fraternity. Tributes poured in from former students, athletes, and colleagues, recognizing his immense contributions to Kenya’s academic and sports landscape.

Paul Otula Wikipedia (Wiki Facts About Paul Otula)

• His tenure at Maseno School saw the institution ranked among Kenya’s top-performing schools.
• Otula won multiple Principal of the Year Awards (POYA) for his contributions to education.
• He mentored thousands of students and athletes, shaping Kenya’s academic and sports landscape.
• He served as Principal at Mang’u High School, Maseno School, and Sunshine Secondary School.
• Otula was the Chairman of the Kenya Basketball Federation, leading the sport’s development in Kenya.
• In 2021, he left education to pursue politics, aiming for a parliamentary seat in Karachuonyo.
• He passed away on May 1, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Nairobi home.
• His legacy continues through the students, athletes, and institutions he influenced.
• Paul Otula was a Kenyan educationist and basketball coach known for his leadership in academics and sports.
• He introduced Aviation Technology as a subject at Maseno School, enhancing academic diversity.

Paul Otula Profile Summary