Magoha’s final journey in Nairobi begins tomorrow
Former Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha’s final journey commences tomorrow when a farewell caravan pays homage to various places he moulded in his career.
A programme seen by People Daily shows that a farewell caravan is expected to proceed from Lee Funeral Home, through some of the places where he worked including; College of Health Sciences -University of Nairobi, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council headquarters and the Nigerian High Commission.
The cortege will also proceed to St George’s Primary School, the Kenya National Examinations Council offices, State House Girls’ High School and Starehe Boys’ Centre.
Magoha was an alumnus of Starehe and served as the vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi between 2005 and 2015. He also had a stint as the chairperson of KNEC between 2016 and 2019.
On Thursday, there shall be a requiem mass at Consolata Shrine, Westlands from where the body will later be airlifted to Yala Township Primary School before a procession leading to St Mary’s Yala School in Yala. A funeral service is also expected to take place at his home in Umiru, Yala on Friday.
Funeral mass
Later, delegates are expected to converge at Odera Akang’o University College for a funeral mass and thereafter he shall be laid to rest at his home in Umiru, Yala.
The funeral committee organising the event includes family members, Magoha’s colleagues and friends in the former and current administration, as well as academia and the medical field.
Former CS Eugene Wamalwa earlier revealed that the Cabinet of President Uhuru Kenyatta shall be at the late Magoha’s home in Gem, Yala, Siaya county, for the burial in accordance with the former Head of State’s desires.
Leadership style
Speaking yesterday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged Kenyans in the academic space to emulate the late Prof Magoha’s style of leadership if they want to transform the education sector of this country.
Mudavadi who spoke after condoling with the family at their residence in Lavington, Nairobi, said Kenya needed more men and women who can pursue education matters for the country with the same kind of energy Magoha employed.
“He was a colossus; he was a giant in the academic space. He took up his role with a lot of gusto. He was very resolute if what he was pursuing was right. Education is the foundation for any nation. If we have people who can pursue it with zeal, it is good for our children,” he said.
He added: “We pray that God gives us more men and women who can pursue education matters for our country with the same kind of energy Prof Magoha did.”
ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo who spoke at Magoha’s residence said most of the preparations are already on course to ensure the late Cabinet Secretary is given a befitting sendoff.
Owalo who is leading a team that is providing a linkage between the government and the Magoha family said they have commenced the burial preparations, especially at the CS rural home.
“I can confirm that already a team is already on the ground erecting tents. We also have a team that is levelling the ground. We have also taken care of all the logistical needs between now and the burial day. My cabinet colleagues have also honoured their contribution which I have handed over to the family,” he said.
He added: “The relief food which we promised is already on the ground and ready for distribution.” Magoha died on January 24 at the age of 71.
Magoha suffered a cardiac arrest at his Nairobi home and was pronounced dead at the Nairobi Hospital shortly after arrival. He is survived by his widow, Dr Barbara Magoha and his son Dr Michael Magoha.
