The late former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has been mourned as a hardworking, mission oriented public servant during his tenure at the Education ministry.
Leaders led by President William Ruto who is away on a state visit to France have eulogised Magoha as an academic administrator and technocrat.
“I have learnt with great sorrow about the passing of Prof. George Magoha, EGH. 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 the Almighty grants them divine comfort and grace in this moment of grief,” he stated.
Other leaders including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, his successor Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi, leaders, scholars cutting across, friends and family members.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga also joined the family at their home in Lavington, Nairobi in mourning.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Prof. George Magoha, a transformational leader, illustrious scholar, dedicated public servant and distinguished medical doctor who left an indelible mark on our country’s education system. 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. May he Rest in Eternal Peace,” Raila said.
“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 Kenya with zeal as witnessed when he served as the CS for Education and other posts held earlier,” Gachagua stated.
Magoha died yesterday while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest.
According to preliminary information shared by his friend Walter Mwanda while addressing the press at Nairobi’s Lee Funeral Home, Magoha had collapsed four times before his passing as his son Michael Magoha who is a medical doctor, tried to resuscitate him.
“From the information, he collapsed and he was resuscitated by his son who is a medical doctor then 100 metres to the casualty of Nairobi Hospital he collapsed again, and he was rushed to casualty, there was resuscitation which took some time but were unable to resuscitate him,” said Mwanda.
Magoha made immense contributions in the practice of medicine and research.
He rose through the ranks and became the Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi and later joined the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) as the chairperson before his appointment to serve as Education Cabinet Secretary in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime.
Before his passing, he had been appointed as a professor of surgery at Maseno University School of Medicine, in Kisumu county.
His death comes as a blow to the family who had earlier lost another son, Magoha’s brother, Professor Alex Nyabera Magoha who died died in Texas, USA December last year.
Captain Charles Agunga Magoha, Magoha’s other brother passed on in August 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden.
