MCK Makes Magoha's Sins Against Journalists Public

MCK further expressed worry that the nature of the CS's remarks could expose members of the Fourth Estate to unnecessary harassment, ridicule and victimisation in the line of duty.

MCK Makes Magoha's Sins Against Journalists Public
Education CS George Magoha. /DAILY NATION

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has confronted Education Cabinet Secretary, George Omore Magoha on remarks he made against an NTV journalist, profiling her as a member of the Al Shabaab terrorist group, which sparked an uproar.

In a public statement on Wednesday, July 27, the MCK took note of the unfortunate remarks by the CS against the journalist on Monday, July 25 which ignited fury among the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).

The regulator exposed a December 21, 2021 incident whereby Magoha was captured on live television making a personal attack against Augustine Oduor of the Standard Media Group (SMG) following a story on the launch of a Strategic Plan of a parastatal based at the Ministry of Education.

Education CS Prof George Magoha. /KBC DIGITAL

On January 7, 2021, MCK had written to the CS and the Commission on Administrative Justice to protest a ministerial directive by his Ministry requiring journalists to seek special permission to visit schools for media coverage.

MCK further noted that it had requested the CS to review the conditions he had issued to the effect that journalists would only be allowed to visit schools in the company of officers from the Ministry, a position that the regulator revealed had violated media rights and freedoms as well as privileges as provided for under international treaties and conventions, and Articles 34 and 35 of the Constitution of Kenya.

"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.

MCK further expressed worry that the nature of the CS's remarks could expose members of the Fourth Estate to unnecessary harassment, ridicule and victimisation in the line of duty.

SUPKEM leaders led by Sheikh Hassan Ole Naado had on Tuesday, July 26 called out the CS for abusing her freedom of religion through his sentiments, that freedom being depicted in the Constitution.

"To say the truth, we are very concerned about the comments made by Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha. He is not an ordinary Kenyan, he is learned with his own rights and stands for all our schools across the country.

"In this unfortunate incident captured and broadcast in the video, the CS is seen targeting, discriminating and verbally attacking the young Muslim lady journalist based on her religion and referring to her as representing a terrorist organisation," he explained.

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.

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

While inspecting the second phase of CBC junior classrooms in Nairobi, Magoha, in a video seen by Viral Tea, could be heard quizzing the female Muslim reporter covered in Hijab where she came from and whether she represented the Al Shabaab, instead of answering a question fielded to him by her.

The CS proceeded to check the inscription of the mic she was holding before he challenged her to reveal her employer's identity, to which she said NTV.