Uhuru, Matiang’i Lead Tributes at Magoha Home

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, January 31 led key figures in the previous administration in paying tribute to former Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha, who died on January 24 of a heart attack. He was 71.

Uhuru and former First lady Margaret Kenyata paid a visit to the family of the late Magoha in Lavington, Nairobi. Others who were present include former Cabinet Secretaries Fred Matiang’i, Ukur Yattani, Eugene Wamalwa and Joe Mucheru.

Former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho was also at the home to condole with the family.

Magoha served as the last Education CS in Uhuru’s administration, and the former President had nothing but praise for him. He credited him for his efforts to ensure 100% transition to secondary schools, the transition to the CBC curriculum and to eliminate exam cheating.

“He deserved that position, he even addressed the curriculum challenge we had. He did not do it to hate anyone, but in the interest of the children of Kenya,” Uhuru stated, adding that he did “less of talking, but in execution, the deeds were seen.”

“Professor took it personally to lead from the front, he would supervise the printing of exams himself, he did not send officers,” the former President noted.

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Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i looked back on his time working alongside Magoha, highlighting the late Magoha’s commitment to his work.

“My colleagues can bear me witness, he was a turbo engine, he was the one who supplied the energy, he wanted things to be done, he was always vibrant,” Matiang’i observed.

“He was driven by delivery and ensuring work was done, he had no time for pettiness and small talks,” he continued.

Magoha’s widow Barbara remembered the former CS as a loving husband and father.

“He was unique, he had a caring attitude which I never saw anywhere, he was loyal, if he told me he would see me at 2 o’clock, he would show up at that time,” she recalled.

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