16/02/2023
PROF. GEORGE MAGOHA TRIBUTE
By: MBOTO HARRY IVAN.
Jacob Aliet, a renowned author, once wrote that among the Luos, mourning of the dead is not just a matter of dabbing away tears in dignity and putting on grim expressions as you reflect upon the life of the departed. Mourning for Luos is a full frontal, loud, spectacular dirge that involves flying mucus projectiles, loud wailing, spraying saliva, tears streaming down faces, head movements, wild eyes, gestures, horn blowing, speaking in tongues, asking the deceased why they departed and adornment of flamboyant mourning regalia. These were the scenes last Saturday at Umiru village in Yala as we laid to rest the former Education CS Prof. George Magoha.
Prof. Magoha's burial ceremony went down at Maseno University Odera Akang'o Campus in Yala, Gem Constituency, a university that the prof is credited for championing its establishment.
As early as nine in the morning, the massive white tent was already packed to the gills with individuals from all walks of life. Up until the grounds were full, more people were still flooding in with each passing minute. Hundreds of residents outside the fence who were not fortunate enough to be allowed entry into the university area craned their necks in the hot sun in an attempt to get a sight of the burial proceedings.
Drivers plying the Luanda-Busia route had a rough day, as vehicles lined the road on both sides for more over two kilometers along the road, causing a traffic snarl up.
As the hearse carrying the professor's body gently pulled into the compound, Starehe Boys Centre and School Band screamed out sensational melodies.
The arrival of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta sparked the crowd, which spontaneously burst into an ecstatic applause to welcome the man they had become fond of since his 2018 handshake with the area's political powerhouse Raila Odinga.
The best show of the day was however saved for the most prominent son of the soil; Raila Odinga himself. And he did not disappoint.
Armoured with a shield, a spear and a flywhisk, the arrival of the ODM party leader almost caused a commotion. The crowd went wild and all activities came to a brief halt as Odinga performed Sigweya, a traditional luo ritual for mourning prominent people in the society.
Accompanied by area Governor James Orengo, Odinga's grand entry left Education CS Ezekiel Machogu off the hook, as he was cut short in the middle of his speech. President Ruto and his deputy Gachagua however skipped the event, were represented by ICT CS Eliud Owalo.
Prof Magoha was a hero according to the residents of his Yala hometown. Omore, as he was locally known, championed for numerous educational reforms in the area. He is credited to have spearheaded construction of two state-of-the-art three storey student hostels at the nearby St. Mary's School Yala.
In this sweltering February heat, Prof Magoha would have been making door-to-door checkups on form one students yet to report to secondary schools, calling their principals to admit them as government works on a reliable bursary scheme.
As David Osiany would say, impact immortalizes a man. Magoha's rich history and impeccable impact will outlive the pain of his death. The grave may swallow his giant frame and take a way his tough speech, but never will it swallow his deeds. He was a highly impactful patriot, a memorable human, a fighter, a truth seeker, a brilliant surgeon, a revered educator, a skilled technocrat and a paragon of excellence. Magoha will be missed dearly. Ryi Harvan