Uhuru, Ruto Mourn Prof George Magoha, Celebrate Special Moments

Former President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta has joined fellow Kenyans in mourning former Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Omore Magoha who passed away on Tuesday evening, January 24.

The former Head of State eulogised Prof 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," the former President said as he wished the Magoha family God's comfort during this difficult period of immense grief.

At the same time, President William Ruto issued a statement mourning the death of Prof Magoha.

The late former Education CS, George Magoha with President William Ruto. /TWITTER

"I have learnt with great sorrow about the passing of Prof. George Magoha, EGH. Prof. 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, where he led robust turnaround interventions at the University of Nairobi and the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC).

"Prof. Magoha also famously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Education. Throughout his tenure, he evinced a commitment to high standards in the public service and an uncompromising integrity," he wrote.

Ruto added that he has sent his condolences to Magoha's family and prayed to God to guide them through this difficult time.

"I have been privileged to know and work with the late Professor in many capacities, from the university where I completed my post-graduate studies, to government, where he served with distinction as the chair of KNEC and later as my colleague in Cabinet. We have lost a gifted, unique, distinguished and great servant of Kenya.

"I join Kenyans and people from other parts of the world in mourning the passing of Prof. Magoha. I also send condolences to his family and pray that Almighty God grants them divine comfort and grace in this moment of grief," he wrote.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's statement on Prof George Magoha's demise:

I have learnt of the demise of Prof. George Magoha with great shock. 

Known for his independence of mind and fearlessness,  Prof. Magoha, was an accomplished professional who served the Republic of Kenya with zeal as witnessed when he served as the Cabinet Secretary for Education and other posts held earlier. 

In his field of Medicine, Prof Magoha has made immense contributions to the practice of medicine and research. 

In the education sector, he left an indelible mark at the University of Nairobi - where he rose through the ranks to become a Vice Chancellor,  at the Kenya National Examination Council as the Chairperson and finally as the CS for Education. 

I will miss Prof Magoha, a man I personally admired for his forthrightness and ethics. My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Prof Magoha.

Education CS nominee Ezekiel Machogu, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the late former Education CS George Magoha during the launch of a three-day induction for the Education Reforms Taskforce at the Centre For Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 12. /THE STAR