Gachagua Fulfils Magoha Family's Requests, Reveals Orders to KDF

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (right) shakes hands with former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha's widow during his visit on January 28, 2023.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (right) shakes hands with former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha's widow, Dr Barbra Magoha, during his visit on January 28, 2023.
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Rigathi Gachagua

UPDATE Saturday, January 28, 2022Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua confirmed that the late Professor George Magoha will be buried on Saturday, February 4, at his home in Gem,  Siaya County.

The DP made the confirmation on Saturday, January 28, after meeting the bereaved family in Lavington, Nairobi.

The family was working in liaison with the government to make arrangements for public viewing of Magoha’s body at the University of Nairobi and the Headquarters of the Ministry of Education at Jogoo House. 

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,” read a statement from the DP.


Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced a raft of measures taken by the government to facilitate the burial of former Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha.

In his visit to the late Magoha's home in Lavington on Saturday, January 28, Gachagua stated that the government will provide a military chopper to airlift the body of the former CS to his rural home in Siaya County. The operation will be overseen by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Gachagua also announced that the government will provide financial support following a call from the family soliciting aid in the preparations for Magoha's sendoff.

"The family did request that the Government help airlift the body and we have agreed and the Kenya Defence Forces will provide a military helicopter to take the body home together with members of the family on the Friday preceding the Saturday burial.

The late professor, George Magoha is pictured inside a vehicle in May 2020.
The late professor George Magoha is pictured inside a vehicle in May 2020.
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"Again, the family requested that we help in providing the tentage, chairs and all that goes with it to cater for thousands of mourners on that particular day. That request has acceded and the CS Interior has been properly guided," the CS announced.

In addition, the government will offer relief food for locals residing in the areas surrounding the former CS's home, a move he stated would ensure that the residents are comfortable during the entire time of bereavement.

"Over and above, our department of special programs will also provide food for the family and the mourners and in addition, we have also instructed that we provide food to all the residents of Gem," he stated. 

The government also assigned Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Information Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo to lead a team of three officials in providing a linkage between the government and the Magoha family.  

Gachagua further affirmed that the government was ready to help in any way as requested by the family.

"We have dedicated three senior government officials to work with your family that is CS Owalo (Eliud), PS Raymond Omollo, and the Chief of Staff in my office. We have done that deliberately because they are your sons," Gachagua stated to the applaud of the mourners. 

The politics of the day also featured in Gachagua's visit to Magoha's residence on Saturday.

While addressing the press, the second-in-command reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza administration would continue to work with the Nyanza region regardless of political affiliations. 

He downplayed a proclamation by  Azimio Leader Raila Odinga vowing that he would not recognize President William Ruto as the Head of State.

In his statement, Gachagua noted that the government had no bias in its operations and would stick to the commitment of helping all Kenyans including those in the Nyanza region that has been traditionally perceived as an Odiga's backyard. 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua  addresses mourners during funeral arrangements for the late former Education Cabinet Secretary Rigathi Gachagua on January 28, 2023.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addresses mourners during funeral arrangements for the late former Education Cabinet Secretary Rigathi Gachagua on January 28, 2023.
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Rigathi Gachagua