Education Cabinet Secretary George Magore Magoha has been put on the spot after his controversial Al-Shabaab remark to a female journalist during a press briefing.
The NTV journalist, who was wearing a hijab asked a question but Magoha’s response was unexpected as he asked whether she was a member of the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, before he could respond.
Magoha’s flat joke fell on deaf ears as most found it in bad taste and a rather insensitive form of profiling of the Hijab, worn by Muslim women.
“First of all, where do you come from? Who are you representing? Because if you are representing Al Shabaab, I will not answer you,” Magoha inquired.
The comment has sparked controversy as it reflected the degradation of women in media, with a hint of Islamaphobic rhetoric.
Muslim leaders in Kenya have shared their disappointment after Magoha termed the female journalist as a member of a terrorist organisation based on how she was dressed.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) leaders led by Hassan Ole Naado have in turn called out the CS based on profiling allegations against the female journalist.
According to SUPKEM, Magoha’s sentiments undermined the journalist’s freedom of religion which is enshrined in the constitution.
“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 organization. We are concerned about the profiling of the female reporter by Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha,” said Naado.
Apart from the Muslim leaders asking the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to take action against the CS, they have also asked President Uhuru to sack Magoha over the inciteful statements.
