Former Education CS laid to rest in Siaya County

By Tobby Otum

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta led his former cabinet secretaries in bidding farewell to former Education  Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha during a burial service held at Maseno University’s Akang’o Campus in Yala township.

His burial took place in Gem constituency, Siaya county. 

Tributes dominated the eulogy session with politics not taking centre stage where Azimio leader Raila Odinga was in attendance.

The former Head of State arrived ahead of  Raila and got a standing ovation from mourners after being received by ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.

Kenyatta moved mourners when he recognized Raila as his party leader before the crowd went wild with cheering.    

He eulogized his former CS as a person committed to improving the education sector in the country,

“The late shunned tribalism,” he said.   

The former president said the deceased saw people as brothers and sisters irrespective of their titles in society.

Kenyatta, who was seen in public for the first time since the swearing-in ceremony of Kenya Kwanza leader William Ruto as president, said he had the opportunity to work with the late Magoha.

He added he had the opportunity to interact with him when the country was facing difficult times in the education sector.

“He was able to end cheating in the annual national examinations,” he pointed out.

Raila described the deceased as a humble  person and full of humility which was his way of life refuting claims the late was an arrogant person saying that Magoha was a straightforward person.

He pointed out the problem of this country is that people don’t want to see those who are straightforward in life.

“The late excelled in the academic field and he was good at recognizing everybody,” he pointed out.

The Azimio leader told mourners he gave a thumbs up when the deceased was appointed in Kenyatta’s administration.

Raila said he never hesitated when he was approached by the retired Head of State to give his recommendation for Magoha’s appointment to the cabinet.

He insisted the late has done a lot in his career as a medical physician and as a teacher and cabinet secretary. 

“The late believe in a level playing field in education for one to excel and he was against cheating in national examinations,” he said.

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