Teachers’ union wants Magoha to apologise over treatment of official

Education CS Prof George Magoha addresses a past press conference. [Christopher Kipsang, Standard]

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) has demanded an apology from Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha over a recent verbal slur.

Kuppet wants the CS to apologise over what they termed as ‘disrespect’ to education officers.

Uasin Gishu Kuppet secretary Elijah Maiyo cited an incident in Uasin Gishu county last Friday where the CS dressed down the local County Director of Education (CDE) Mbaga Gitonga in front of teachers at Langas Primary School.

Maiyo argued that the CS had no right to insult the senior education director.

“We are saddened that the CS, a professor, could insult his fellow civil servant. The conduct of the CS was not expected of him and he should apologise to all the teachers. He should have questioned why the school was in such a state rather than rush to insult an old man,” said Maiyo.

Maiyo further stated that should Magoha fail to apologise, teachers would file a complaint to the human rights department for defying the rights of employees and they would also avoid accompanying him on educational tours in the county.

“We feel that the CS offended all teachers and if he fails to apologise then we will have no option but to report him to the human rights department or even abscond his future meetings in our county,” said Maiyo.

Over the weekend, Prof Magoha's remarks elicited backlash from a section of Kenyans online, many faulting him over how he addressed the senior official.

The CS had toured the region to inspect the progress of delivery of desks and preparedness of schools in accommodating learners while observing the Ministry of Health protocols. He had made a stop at Langas Primary where he was displeased by the evident lack of hygiene.

At this point, Magoha unleashed his wrath on Gitonga who wanted to hand him a report.

“The situation on the ground is not good,” Magoha is heard saying in the video. The elderly education director tried to explain why the school was in that state but a visibly angry Magoha was far from impressed.

“I am not talking about a report, I am talking about what is here on the ground,” Magoha said to the officer.

Maiyo, however, explained that construction of some classes was ongoing in the school and that some materials were being unloaded and that the dirt would be cleared once the exercise was done.