Magoha Apologises to NTV Reporter In Meeting At DPP Haji's Office

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji was with Education Cabinet Secretary, George Magoha in a meeting where the CS apologised to NTV reporter, Rukia Bulle, over his demeaning Al Shabaab remarks.

The meeting took place on Wednesday, July 27 and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) issued a statement the following day on the matter. 

During the meeting, SUPKEM chair, Sheikh Hassan Ole Nando revealed that Magoha had expressed regret over his sentiments which were captured on video, causing a nationwide uproar. 

A collage of NTV reporter, Rukia Bulle. /INSTAGRAM.RUKIA BULLE

"Yesterday we met with CS Magoha who requested to meet with the Muslim leaders with the affected girl- we met with him at the office of the DPP. The CS apologized to the lady journalist and regretted having used the term he used," Naado stated. 

He added that the leaders had accepted Magoha's apology, wishing him the best in his endeavours. 

His apology comes after days of backlash upon the CS with Kenyans accusing him of abusing her freedom of religion through his sentiments, that freedom being depicted in the Constitution of Kenya.

Naado further appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to terminate CS Magoha after the remarks as other Muslim leaders called for all journalists in Kenya to be protected ahead of the elections on August 9.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) also got wind of the remarks and went to the extent of highlighting past incidences whereby Magoha has been clashing with journalists as a habit while compelling him to issue an apology.

"The Media Council of Kenya calls on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to ensure that the Cabinet Secretary issues an unconditional apology, withdraws the unfortunate remarks, and rescinds his directives against the smooth operation of media," the regulator stated in part.

Bulle and Magoha were embroiled in the brief confrontation whereby the CS, in a video seen by Viral Tea, could be heard quizzing her about where she came from and whether she represented the Al Shabaab, instead of answering a question fielded to him by her.

"First of all, where do you come from? Who are you representing because if you are representing Al Shabaab, I'll not answer you," the CS responded.

She maintained her composure and replied by revealing that she was from NTV, after which Magoha responded by saying "NTV is a good station, so I will answer you."

On her part, the journalist took to social media to send her message of appreciation to her followers who reached out to her following the clip.

Hassan Ole Naado, Chairperson of SUPKEM addressing a reporter on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. /NTV

"I just wanted to come on here and say thank you to anyone who took the time out of their day to send me nice messages or to check up on me.

"All your support does not go unnoticed. We’ll keep thriving regardless of anything thrown our way," she said in a TikTok video.