Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has opened investigations into an incident in which Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha insulted a ministry official early this month.
EACC on Monday sent out summons to the victim, Uasin Gishu County Director of Education Gitonga Mbaka to record a statement over the incident at its regional offices in Eldoret tomorrow.
“The commission, pursuant to its constitutional mandate as set out inter alia under article 252(1) (a) (d) of the constitution and section 4 (2) and 42 (10) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, is investigating allegations of unethical conduct touching on the CS, Ministry of Education regarding an incident that occurred at Langas Primary School in Eldoret town on or about November 6 during a tour of the school,” read the letter signed by the EACC deputy regional head for North Rift region Mark Ndiema.
“The commission has reason to believe that you have information that may assist in this investigation and would like to shed light and record a statement on the matter,” the letter went on.
“To this end, you are invited for interview and statement recording at EACC North Rift regional office on Wednesday, November 18,” the statement concluded.
The summons came only a day after senators demanded that the Commission take action against the CS for breaching the Public Officer Ethics Act.
The lawmakers also demanded that President Uhuru Kenyatta disciplines the CS for publicly insulting a senior education official.
Last week, Public Service Commission stripped Magoha of powers to carry out human resource functions at his ministry, a move, he said will stop him from discharging his duties.
“Unless otherwise directed by my appointing authority, I shall continue to perform all my duties and responsibilities with zeal and commitment and ensure all officers in the Ministry of Education perform their duties for the benefit of the Kenyan child, parents and all education stakeholders,” he said.
In the video, Magoha, who was on a visit to educational institutions in the county on Friday, November 6, to assess learning and delivery of desks in various schools, is recorded interrogating Mbaka concerning the alleged untidiness of a school the CS was visiting in the county.
Mbaka, who is due for retirement in four months, said that he has since “forgiven the minister” and was concentrating on his public service.
Critics had faulted the CS for his conduct, but Prof. Magoha – in a response published by local media – said he did what he had to do to ensure quality education for children.
He said regional education directors need to perform their duties of inspecting schools.
