By Fredrick Odiero
Gem, Siaya county came to a standstill when hundreds of mourners and prominent leaders converged at the Maseno University Odera Akango campus for the burial of the late Professor George Magoha who passed away on January 24 aged 71.
President Ruto, who was widely expected to attend the funeral ceremony, did not turn up but was represented by ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.
In his message of condolence, Ruto described Magoha as a man who held his ideals in high regard and was ready to get his hands dirty to make his beliefs a reality.
The President observed that Magoha loved doing his work and put his whole heart into everything he did adding that he had no half-measures.
“If he did not believe in it he did not even begin doing it,” said Ruto.
Ruto added that Magoha was an outstanding leader, scholar and a professional role model whose dreams, aspirations and successes will be immortalized in history
He similarly lauded his hardline stance on having all children across the country attend school noting that it bettered their lives.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were among the multitude that turned out to accord the former Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) a befitting send off.
Odinga who was accompanied by his spouse Ida also poured glowing tribute to the late Magoha whom he described as a dedicated servant of the people.
Siaya Governor James Orengo said the late Magoha served the nation with a lot of dedication and humility and rose above ethnic considerations.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu praised his predecessor for always being a friend to him and always being of assistance to him and his family.
Further, Machogu appreciated Maseno University which had offered the deceased a job before he passed on.
Also in attendance was his entire family and his associates at the various places he worked in.
The late Magoha was laid to rest in his Yala home in Siaya County.
