Kenya’s education minister apologizes for derogatory remarks made to female Muslim journalist

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Education Minister George Magoha met Muslim leaders in Kenya and NTV journalist Rukia Bulle to apologize for controversial “al Shabaab” remarks.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) chair Hassan Ole Naado were among Muslim leaders present at the meeting

“Yesterday we met with CS (Cabinet Secretary) Magoha who requested to meet with the Muslim leaders with the affected girl -- we met with him at the office of the DPP. The CS apologized to the lady journalist and regretted having used the term he used.” Naado said in a statement Thursday released by SUPKEM.

“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 (Glory be to him, the most High) forgive us and guide him.”

The National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF) Chairman Abdullahi Abdi who at the meeting said Magoha regretted his sentiments.

"He humbled himself in front of us. He apologized to the lady directly and to us on behalf of the umma (Muslim community). I believe the apology was sincere and ask the Muslim umma to accept it. We, the leaders, have accepted the apology and Rukia too, on behalf of the umma,” Abdi said in a statement.

The apology was made one day after Magoha faced backlash on social media and across Kenya for profiling Bulle, who was wearing a hijab.

He was speaking to the media when he singled out Bulle, who was working for NTV Kenya at a Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) junior classrooms event and profiled her based on her religion.

He was speaking to the media when, in response to a question by Bulle, he asked her: “First of all, where do you come from? Who are you representing? Because if you are representing Al Shabaab, I will not answer you.”

Naado told journalists at the time had demanded that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) take action and asked the country’s president to dismiss Magoha.