Kenyans have continued to troop to the home of former Education CS George Magoha to condole with the family.
For instance, Thursday, January 26, was Central Organization for Trade Union (COTU) boss Francis Atwoli’s turn.
While condoling with Atwoli’s wife Barbara Magoha at his Lavington home in Nairobi, the flamboyant unionists eulogized Magoha as a man who was firm in his decisions.
Addressing mourners, Atwoli said the tough-talking and no-nonsense CS during his time at the Education Ministry who was then serving as the Vice Chancellor of Nairobi University dismissed his son.
“He was a serious man and indeed very serious because he called me one day and told me I don’t want your son in my university. There are very few people who can do that,” Atwoli said.
Atwoli said even his influence and close relationship with Magoha could not change his mind to have his son back at the institute.
“I used all my influence I have and tactics I was taught on negotiation, but he told me, Francis I have said no and my no is no, take your son to another university in the country,” Atwoli added.
The former powerful Education CS died on Tuesday, January 23, at Nairobi Hospital following a cardiac arrest.
Earlier, Kenya’s President William Ruto mourned the late as a unique, gifted, and great servant of Kenya, adding that he feels privileged to have known and worked with him.
“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,” President Ruto said in a statement.
“He led robust turnaround interventions at the University of Nairobi and the Kenya National Examinations Council. Throughout his tenure (as CS), he evinced a commitment to high standards in the public service and uncompromising integrity,” President Ruto said in a statement.
