The Government's move to finance the funeral of the late Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha caused among Kenyan citizens and leaders alike.
Upon Visiting the late Magoha's home on Saturday, January 28 in Lavington, Nairobi, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced that as a government, they would involve the KDF in giving Magoha a deserved send-off while also distributing relief food to Gem residents.
The statements by the second in command irked Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai who claimed that Gachagua was insulting the people of Gem - where the late Professor hailed.
“The subtle insults by the Deputy President to the people of Gem. From this statement, you can see him mock you as hungry characters who think of nothing but food,” he stated.
Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa too wondered why the government was financing the late Professor's burial.
Barasa stated that Magoha's family could handle the funeral expenditure without government support as the late Education CS was a well-renumerated public servant.
“This is a rich family and the good Professor who rested has children and family members whom he assisted get employment left right and centre throughout his life when he was holding positions of influence,” he observed.
“His wife has access to his wealth as well and I am sure her account isn't struggling with financial epilepsy like that of Mr Otieno and Wanjiku,” he added.
"All the Professor's family needs is food and they can afford it. If the cash is available the Government should pay fees for needy children from Siaya County or clear medical bills for Kenyans who are enslaved in hospitals for failure to pay medical bills," he remarked.
Additionally, taking to social media a user by the name of Herbert Mwachoni noted, “I am certain the late would not have accepted any government help to bury him. He would rather have those funds build more classrooms,”
Equally, a netizen named David Macharia stated, “Because there is no government but clowns. Reactionary pretenders to leadership,”
“The deputy president who speaks because he has to speak. Those close to this guy should teach him when and what to say,” Enock Handson noted.
Gachagua announced that the government would involve the KDF in giving Magoha a deserved send-off.
He assured the family that the state would provide a Kenya Airforce helicopter to airlift the body for the burial slated for next Saturday in Gem Constituency, Siaya County.
Gachagua also noted that the government would provide other logistical support including tents and food for the mourners.
“The family requested we do help in providing the tents and chairs and all that goes with it to cater for mourners on that particular day, and the request has acceded and the CS of Interior has been properly guided,” Gachagua noted
“We have also committed to providing financial support to the family in terms of funeral preparations and feeding the thousands of mourners expected,” the DP stated.
The late former Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha will be laid to rest on February 11, 2023.
