Late Former Education CS Magoha [Photo: Nation]
President William Ruto is among the leaders who have mourned the death of Former Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) George Magoha.
In a statement to newsrooms, the Head of State said the country had lost a gifted, unique, distinguished and great servant.
“I have been privileged to know and work with the late Professor in many capacities, from the university where I completed my postgraduate studies, to government, where he served with distinction as the chair of KNEC and later as my colleague in Cabinet.
Magoha is a towering giant of our time, a great man who stood tall in the academy, where he excelled in learning, teaching and research, as well as in administration,” President Ruto said in a statement.
Other leaders who mourned Magoha include Former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Uhuru eulogized Magoha, as a celebrated academic who leaves behind a strong legacy of public service.
“It is unfortunate and painful that we’ve lost my friend Prof George Magoha at a time when his family is mourning his brother,” said the former President.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua described Magoha as an accomplished professional who served Kenya with zeal.
On his part, Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga mourned him as a dedicated public servant and distinguished medical doctor.
“We will remember him for his incredible intellect, wit, and ability to inspire and challenge us to do our best. My condolences go out to his family and colleagues,” said the opposition leader.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Magoha will be remembered as a staunch believer in self-actualization.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu mourned his predecessor, as a consummate and dedicated public servant.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said he learnt of his death with shock.
“Prof Magoha will be remembered as a focussed professional in his field and a candid stickler for discipline and efficiency in institutional leadership and management. He will be missed.”
Former Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said he remembered his former colleague as very hard working and focused.
“He was always forthright and patriotic; he loved this country dearly. I have lost a true, sincere and very supportive comrade. Our thoughts and prayers are with his dear wife, son and entire family. May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace.”
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula said Magoha’s death was a big loss and a blow to the education sector.
“I have vivid memories of this great and tough scholar who had distinguished himself by his immense contribution to the education sector of our country. He will be fondly remembered for his selfless service on impacting change in the education field while at the helm of the education ministry,” he said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka mourned him as an “exceptional leader who will be greatly missed”.
The former CS succumbed to cardiac arrest at the Nairobi Hospital on Tuesday evening.
He died at the age of 71.
On March 1st 2019, the then-president Uhuru Kenyatta nominated him for the position of Cabinet Secretary for Education, and was sworn into office on March 26th 2019 after being vetted by the National Assembly.
Magoha replaced Amina Mohamed, who had been transferred to the Sports docket.
Magoha served as the CS for Education until his replacement by Ezekiel Machogu in President William Ruto’s administration on October 27, 2022.