Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha apologised to NTV journalist Rukia Bulle and the Muslim community and over his controversial AL Shabaab remarks.

In a statement by Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) chair, Hassan Ole Naado on Thursday, July 28, it was indicated that Magoha expressed regret over his statements at a meeting held in Nairobi yesterday (July 7).

Further, the religious leader disclosed that it was the Education CS who requested the meeting attended by the Directorate of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji and other prominent Muslim leaders. 

Additionally, the SUPKEM chair added that they accepted the apology of the CS and wished him well in his endeavours.

“CS Magoha has apologized to the journalist in the presence of Muslim leaders in Nairobi. In line with the Islamic tradition of forgiveness, we forgive him. May Allah SWT (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) forgive us and guide him,” he stated.

Magoha’s apology came after days of being put on the receiving end of public backlash as a majority of Kenyans accused him of being inconsiderate of the journalist’s religion.

SUPKEM, among other organisations such as the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), had demanded that the CS apologised as other groups called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to fire him.

“In this unfortunate incident captured and broadcast in the video, the CS is seen targeting, discriminating and verbally attacking the young Muslim lady journalist based on her religion and referring to her as representing a terrorist organisation,” Naado stated.

“The Media Council of Kenya calls on the National Integration and Cohesion Commission (NCIC) to ensure the Cabinet Secretary issues an unconditional apology, withdraws the unfortunate remarks, and rescinds his directives against the smooth operation of media,” MCK echoed.

On her part, the journalist thanked Kenyans for supporting her after her presser with the Education CS.

“I just wanted to come on here and say thank you to anyone who took the time out of their day to send me nice messages or to check up on me.

“All your support does not go unnoticed. We’ll keep thriving regardless of anything thrown our way,” the NTV journalist stated.