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Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa has poked holes into the government’s decision to take full charge of the burial ceremony of former Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) George Magoha.

In a statement shared via his official Twitter account, Barasa queried why the President William Ruto-led administration would help the family of the late Magoha when he was a rich man who had set a good foundation for his kin during his stint as a public servant.

“Why would the government help the family of Prof. George Magoha? Just asking on behalf of Kenyans. This is a Rich family and the good Professor who rested has children and family members whom he assisted get employment when he was holding positions of influence,” he stated.

Why would the Government help the family of Prof. George Magoha? , Just asking on behalf of Kenyans. This is a Rich family and the good Professor who rested has children and family members whom he assisted get employment when he was holding positions of influence.

— Hon Didmus Barasa, MP Kimilili (@DidmusWaBarasa) January 28, 2023

The lawmaker subsequently stated that the funds allocated to the deceased’s family should instead be channelled to needy families burdened by pending hospital bills. He says this would be the best way to honour the academician.

“His wife has access to his wealth as well and am sure her account isn’t struggling with financial epilepsy like that of Mr Otieno and Wanjiku. He rested without a huge hospital bill and with a Premier medical cover unlike many hustlers who have rested in different funeral homes and their bodies detained, title deeds, logbooks are being demanded before release,”

“If the cash is available the government should pay fees for needy children from Siaya County or clear medical bills for Kenyans detained in hospitals for failure to clear medical bills….Me thinks this could the best way of honour of Prof. George Magoha,” Barasa stated.

Earlier, deputy president Rigathi Gachagua had announced the government’s plan to take full charge of the burial as directed by President Ruto.

The plans include providing a military aircraft that will airlift the professor’s body to his home in Yala, Siaya county.

“We have agreed Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will provide a military helicopter to take the body home together with the members of the family on the Friday preceding the Saturday burial,”

“The family also requested we provide the tentage and chairs and all that goes with it to cater for the thousands of mourners on that particular day and that request has been acceded to,” the deputy president said.

Further, Gachagua affirmed that the state will cater food for mourners who will attend the ceremony. He also alluded that the current CSs had vowed to give a total of Ksh1.1 million to the bereaved family.

“Over and above, our department of the special program will also provide food for the family and the mourners, and in addition, we have instructed the provision of relief food to all the residents of Gem so that as we proceed with the preparations, all the homes surrounding that of the bereaved are also comfortable because there is food,” he added.