Paul Otula Biography: Age, Cause of Death, Height, Wife, Children, Education, Career, Net Worth, Family
Paul Agali Otula was a distinguished Kenyan educator and sports administrator, best known for his leadership roles in both the education sector and basketball. Born on January 3, 1964, in the then Rachuonyo District (now Homa Bay County), Otula began his teaching career in 1998 as a classroom teacher and basketball coach at Mang’u High School. He later served as Deputy Principal and Principal at Mang’u High School. In 2001, he became the Principal of Maseno School, where he introduced innovative programs such as Aviation Technology as a subject.
Otula was a passionate advocate for basketball in Kenya. He served as the Chairman of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) from 2008 until his passing in 2025. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in promoting the sport nationwide, including leading the national team to victories in regional competitions. He also contributed to the development of the sport through his involvement with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK).
Tragically, Paul Otula passed away on May 1, 2025, after collapsing at his home in Nairobi. He was 61 years old. His sudden death has left a significant impact on both the education and sports communities in Kenya.
Early Life and Background
Birth, Age, and Hometown
Paul Otula was born on January 3, 1964, in Rachuonyo District, which is now part of Homa Bay County in western Kenya. This region is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes, a perfect backdrop for a young boy to grow up with a strong sense of community and purpose. He was 61 years old at the time of his death in 2025.
Tribe and Ethnicity
Otula belonged to the Luo tribe, one of the major ethnic groups in Kenya. The Luo community is predominantly found in western Kenya, particularly around Lake Victoria.
Height and Physical Attributes
While specific details about Paul Otula’s height are not widely documented, he was known to be a physically active individual, particularly in sports, where his leadership in basketball was prominent.
Wife and Children
Otula’s wife and children, though not frequently in the public eye, were an essential part of his life. He balanced his professional commitments with his role as a family man, ensuring that his family was always a central support system throughout his journey. Details about his children have remained private, though his personal life was known to be one of deep family values.
Education and Career
Early Education and Passion for Learning
Paul Otula had a passion for education from an early age, excelling academically throughout his schooling. After completing his primary education, he advanced to secondary school, where his interests in leadership and sports began to take shape. His love for sports, especially basketball, became apparent during his school years, an interest that would later inform his career.
College Education and Academic Qualifications
Otula’s academic qualifications were impressive. He pursued higher education and went on to obtain advanced degrees, solidifying his role as an educator. He studied teaching and educational management, which laid the foundation for his career as a school administrator and educator.
Career in Education
Beginning as a Teacher and Coach
Paul Otula’s career began as a classroom teacher and basketball coach at Mang’u High School, where he started making a mark in both education and sports. His skills as a coach helped the school’s basketball team achieve great success, fostering a love for the game in many students.
Principal at Maseno School
Otula’s rise through the education ranks saw him become the Principal of Maseno School in 2001. During his tenure, he introduced innovative programs, such as Aviation Technology, and pushed the school to the forefront of academic excellence. Under his leadership, Maseno School ranked as the top public school in Kenya in the 2016 national examinations, a remarkable achievement in the Kenyan education system.
Despite the challenges that came with his leadership, including allegations of misconduct that led to his interdiction in 2017, Otula remained a respected figure in the education sector. His innovative approach to education left a lasting impact on both his students and the teachers who worked with him.
Sunshine Secondary School and Beyond
After his time at Maseno School, Otula moved on to Sunshine Secondary School in Nairobi, where he continued his work in education. His leadership style and contributions to improving education were widely recognized in the Kenyan community.
Career in Basketball
Chairman of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF)
Otula’s passion for basketball extended beyond coaching, and he became a key figure in the administration of the sport in Kenya. From 2008 until his passing, he served as the Chairman of the Kenya Basketball Federation. His leadership helped elevate Kenyan basketball to new heights, promoting the sport at all levels and ensuring that Kenya’s national teams had the support they needed to compete internationally.
Otula’s role in the KBF was crucial in expanding the sport’s reach and improving the infrastructure for basketball in Kenya. Under his leadership, the national basketball team achieved notable victories in regional competitions, and basketball became more widely recognized as an important sport in Kenya.
Death and Cause of Death
Paul Otula passed away suddenly on May 1, 2025, at the age of 61. He collapsed at his home in Nairobi, and despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead. His death was a shock to many, particularly in the education and sports communities, where he had made significant contributions. The cause of his death was not immediately confirmed, but it was a devastating loss for Kenya.
Net Worth
While specific details about Paul Otula’s net worth are not readily available, it is clear that his career as an educator and sports leader afforded him a comfortable lifestyle. His work in both fields—education and basketball—earned him respect and recognition across Kenya.
Conclusion
Paul Otula’s life was one marked by dedication to education, leadership, and sports. His contributions to Kenyan education, especially at Maseno School, and to the development of basketball in Kenya, through his role at the Kenya Basketball Federation, are truly noteworthy. His sudden passing in 2025 left a significant void, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations of educators, athletes, and leaders in Kenya.
FAQs
What was Paul Otula’s role in the Kenya Basketball Federation?
Otula served as the Chairman of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) from 2008 until his death in 2025. He played a significant role in promoting basketball qand leading the national team to success in regional competitions.
What was Paul Otula’s contribution to education in Kenya?
Otula was instrumental in transforming Kenyan education, especially through his leadership at Maseno School, where he introduced innovative programs and led the school to academic excellence.
How did Paul Otula pass away?
Paul Otula passed away suddenly on May 1, 2025, after collapsing at his home in Nairobi. The cause of death was not immediately confirmed.
Was Paul Otula married?
Yes, Paul Otula was married and had children. While specific details about his wife and children are not widely publicized, he was known to have a supportive family.
What achievements did Paul Otula have as a school principal?
As the Principal of Maseno School, Otula led the school to become the best public school in Kenya in 2016. He also introduced innovative programs like Aviation Technology.
