- Machogu said he was able to consult with the young learner and assisted him on his request.
- The CS said the learner wanted to get close to him and he was not the one who requested him to hold an umbrella for him.
Image: HANDOUT
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has come out to speak after an uproar on social media over a viral photo of a learner holding an umbrella for him.
The CS said the learner wanted to get close to him and he was not the one who requested him to hold up the umbrella.
"I went somewhere and the learner wanted to get the attention of the CS. The learner wanted school fees, uniform and even shoes," he said.
"That small guy insisted on standing beside me with an umbrella. He comes from a background that you and I don't."
The CS said the media and Kenyans on social media misconstrued the scenario.
Machogu, however, said he was able to consult the young learner and assisted him on his request
The Education boss said he always meets needy children who want to stay close to him as an opportunity to voice their issues.
Machogu said he was not alone as some learners also sought the attention of Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang for help.
Machogu spoke on Wednesday when he presided over the handing over of 1,000 scholarships by the KCB Foundation in Nairobi.
This comes a day after Machogu joined the Murang'a County fraternity during the Murang'a Child Bursaries awarding ceremony held at Mumbi stadium.
While speaking during the event in Murang'a, the young learner came close to the CS and held an umbrella for him.
Some Kenyans were not happy with the picture that was widely shared on social media.
"Hii ni nini sasa surely!" one Jeff Jeffa said on X.
Aspiring politician Alinur Mohamed said the CS ought to issue a public apology for what he termed as humiliation to the boy.
"Why would Education CS Prof Ezekiel Machogu instruct a child to hold an umbrella for him, and it's not raining, and there is no sun? This is wrong," Mohamed said.
Abuga Makori defended the CS and explained what happened urging Kenyans not to be quick to judge.
"I think people misjudged CS Ezekiel Machogu. This kid came forward and volunteered to shield him from the hot sun. Upon realising, the CS held him on, gave him some money, and bought uniforms. Let us not be too quick to judge," he said.
CS Machogu awarded bursaries to top performers in the 2023 KCPE exams in the region, and students living with disabilities and orphans.
Machogu was flanked by his counterpart Public Service CS Moses Kuria, Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata, Senator Joe Nyutu, Women Rep Betty Maina and Maragua MP Mary Wamaua Waithira.