CS Magoha's intimidation of journalists unfortunate, MCK says

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) now wants Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha to apologise over remarks he made against a Nation Media Group journalist on Monday.

Magoha is on record asking the journalist to identify herself before he could respond to her questions.

The council, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed concern over Magoha’s continued intimidation and harassment of the media, terming the remarks unfortunate.

“The council is disturbed that such comments, actions, and directives by a senior government official can expose members of the fourth estate to unnecessary harassment, ridicule, and victimization in the line of duty,” MCK noted.

MCK also wants the CS to rescind a directive that disallows media coverage in schools, for transparency and accountability.

MCK stated that in January last year wrote to the Education Ministry and Commission on Administrative Justice to protest a directive requiring journalists to seek permission to visit schools for media coverage.

“The MCK calls on the National Integration and Cohesion Commission to ensure the CS issues an unconditional apology, withdraws the unfortunate remarks and rescinds his directive against the smooth operation of the media.”

It isn’t the first time CS Magoha has come under fire over his remarks or captured mishandling his juniors or other people.

He in December 2021 made a personal attack against a Standard Group journalist over a published article on the Ministry’s strategic plan for a parastatal head.

In November 2020, Magoha was under pressure from teachers’ union leaders to apologise over an incident where he allegedly insulted an elderly education officer in Uasin Gishu County.