The government will support the family of Prof George Magoha to ensure a befitting send-off for the former Education Cabinet Secretary who died last Tuesday.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday led members of the Cabinet and senior government officials to condole with Prof Magoha’s family at their home in Lavington estate, Nairobi.
He assured the family of the government’s readiness to facilitate an honourable burial for the former University of Nairobi vice chancellor.
Mr Gachagua conveyed President William Ruto’s condolences to the late towering academician’s family, describing him as a distinguished and dedicated public servant.
The Deputy President announced that the government would provide a Kenya Airforce helicopter to airlift the body for the burial slated for next Saturday in Gem Constituency, Siaya County.
The government will also provide any other logistical support including tents and food for the mourners.
“We will support the family in every way possible to ensure a befitting send off for the former Education Cabinet Secretary,” the DP said.
Mr Gachagua described Prof Magoha as an astute servant.
“He was a great man, a distinguished public servant who demonstrated utmost dedication, patriotism and commitment in all the positions he served in,” he said.
Prof Magoha was appointed to the CS post in 2019 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Before joining the Cabinet, Prof Magoha was Chairman of the Kenya National Examinations Council. He also served as University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor between 2005 and 2015.
The family requested the government’s logistical support for body viewing at the University of Nairobi and Jogoo House, the headquarters of the Ministry of Education.
The Ministry of Interior, the Deputy President assured, would work with the family.
Mr Gachagua added that ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and the Chief of Staff at the Deputy President’s Office George McGoye would represent the government in the burial plans.
“We are ready to provide any other support the family might need from us,” he said.
The DP was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Eliud Owalo, Simon Chelugui (Cooperatives and SMEs), Florence Bore (Labour), Peninah Malonza (Tourism and Wildlife), Zacharia Njeru (Lands) and Rebecca Miano (EAC and ASALs).
