Education CS, Magoha Apologizes To Journalist And Muslims At Large For The AlShabab Remarks

Prof. George Magoha, the cabinet secretary for education, has submitted to criticism and apologized for recent comments he allegedly made at an event in Nairobi that were intended to racial profile a female journalist.

Magoha allegedly paid a visit to the ODPP on Thursday, when he spoke with the journalist in question as well as Muslim leaders.

Abdullahi Abdi, chairman of the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF), said that the CS expressed regret for his words and requested forgiveness from the leaders.

“Muslim leaders and the affected Nation Media Journalist met with the CS for Education Professor George Magoha at his request at the DPP’s office,” reads the statement.

“The CS apologized to us and to the lady, Rukiya (The journalist) directly. His words were ‘you judge me and am ready to accept your verdict’,” said Abdi.

The NAMLEF chair who describes the apology as a display of humility now wants the larger Islam community to vindicate the CS.

“He humbled himself in front of us. He apologized to the lady directly and to us on behalf of the Umma. I believe the apology was sincere and asked the Muslim umma to accept it. We the leaders have accepted the apology and Rukiya too on behalf of the Umma,” added the statement.
The Cabinet Secretary has been criticized for the statements by political figures, members of the clergy, and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).

MCK CEO David Omwoyo urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on Wednesday to see to it that Magoha retracts the regrettable words, provides a full apology, and revokes his directives against the efficient operation of the media.

Magoha is seen in the now-viral video suggesting that the named NTV reporter may have connections to the banned terrorist organization Al-Shabaab because she was wearing a hijab, a head covering commonly worn by Muslim women, during the event on Monday.

He said: “Kwanza wewe unatoka wapi? Who are you representing? Because if you’re representing Al-Shabaab I will not answer you.”