Kenyans online have bashed Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, for having a pupil hold for him an umbrella while making a speech.
The photo that has been doing rounds on social media was captured in Murang’a, during the county’s education day.
Some attributed the situation to mistreatment because they thought that the teenager was straining just to shield the CS from the scorching sun.
“A whole education minister mistreating a 10-year-old boy by forcing him to hold an umbrella behind him as gives his two hours speech! Why would education CS Prof Ezekiel Machogu instruct a child to hold an umbrella for him, and it’s not raining, and their is no sun? This is wrong,” Alinur Mohammed wrote on X.
“Education CS Ezekiel Machogu must make a public apology for humiliating this young boy. He should pay the boy and his family for the shame he has brought to them. Next time, he can come with his own children and instuct them to stand behind him with an umbrella,” he shared in a separate tweet.
Others defended the CS saying that the boy had just volunteered and left with goodies afterwards.
“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,” Abuga Makori said.
CS Machogu has however come out to explain the whole situation, admitting tat the boy volunteered to hold the umbrella for him.
The CS noted that the boy opted to do that so as to get his attention so that he can help him with requirements for his studies.
“I went somewhere and the learner wanted to get the attention of the CS. The learner wanted school fees, uniform and even shoes. That small guy insisted on standing beside me with an umbrella. He comes from a background that you and I don’t,” he said.
Machogu further noted that he was able to talk with the boy and helped him.
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. pic.twitter.com/GP63Kbb345
— Abuga Makori EGH, MBE (@abuga_makori) January 16, 2024
