Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dismissed allegations circulating on social media suggesting that he has resigned from his government position.
The claims, which originated from a viral social media post, alleged that Ogamba had stepped down due to the government’s perceived inability to address the rising cases of abductions and disappearances in the country. However, the CS has categorically denied these claims, terming them as false and misleading.
The viral post, which appeared on several platforms including a fake account on X (formerly Twitter), claimed that Ogamba had tendered his resignation to President William Ruto. The fabricated statement alleged that Ogamba was dissatisfied with the administration’s leadership style, which purportedly failed to align with his principles and values.
According to the post, Ogamba expressed frustration with the government’s handling of fundamental human rights issues, particularly abductions and killings, which he claimed had caused anguish and fear among Kenyan families. The post further quoted Ogamba lamenting the government’s inability to protect its citizens and uphold their dignity.
“With a heavy heart, but with a clear conscience, I stand before you today to announce my resignation as the Cabinet Secretary for Education. This decision has not come lightly, but I must take it to remain true to my values, principles, and unwavering commitment to the people of Kenya,” read part of the fabricated post.
It went on to state that Ogamba felt compelled to resign in order to uphold the values enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution, including justice, equality, and the protection of human rights. The post painted a picture of a principled leader taking a stand against what was described as a lack of commitment to these ideals by the government.
In a swift rebuttal, CS Ogamba addressed the public on Monday, January 13, categorically denying the allegations and distancing himself from the fake post. He reassured Kenyans of his commitment to his role as Education Cabinet Secretary and criticized those spreading false information to tarnish his reputation.
“Beware of a fake X account purporting to be the Cabinet Secretary for Education,” Ogamba wrote on his verified X account. He urged Kenyans to be vigilant and cautious of misleading social media posts, adding that such misinformation not only affects individuals but also undermines public trust in the government.
Ogamba emphasized that he remains dedicated to ensuring equitable access to education for all Kenyans and is fully aligned with the government’s agenda. He further stated that his office would continue working tirelessly to address challenges in the education sector and improve learning outcomes for Kenyan students.
Ogamba’s clarification came shortly after Peter Mbae, Head of Government Delivery Services, tendered his resignation citing unresolved issues within his office. In a letter addressed to Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Mbae stated that the challenges he had raised had not been addressed, making his position untenable.
“Despite my passion, focus, and consistency, for reasons and issues that I have consistently brought to your attention and have not been resolved to date, it has not been possible to carry out my duties as intended,” Mbae’s letter read.
He explained that his decision to step down was driven by the need to maintain professional accountability and transparency to the Kenyan public. Speaking to Chipuko.com, Mbae expressed his intention to return to his previous professional pursuits. “I was professional in my own right before joining government, so I will go back to what I was doing,” he stated.
The false claims about Ogamba’s resignation highlight the growing issue of misinformation and fake news in Kenya’s political landscape. With the increasing influence of social media, fake accounts and posts can easily mislead the public and create unwarranted panic or controversy.
Leaders like Ogamba often find themselves in the position of having to refute baseless claims to protect their credibility and maintain public trust. This incident underscores the need for enhanced measures to combat fake news, including stringent regulations for social media platforms and greater public awareness about verifying information.
Despite the misleading claims, Ogamba reaffirmed his dedication to addressing the challenges facing Kenya’s education sector. As the Cabinet Secretary for Education, he has been at the forefront of implementing policies to improve access to education, enhance teacher training, and address systemic issues such as student dropouts and poor infrastructure.
His office is also working closely with other stakeholders to roll out reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and ensure that schools across the country have the necessary resources for effective implementation. Ogamba has repeatedly emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan child has access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background.
The allegations of CS Julius Ogamba’s resignation have been debunked, with the Education CS firmly denying the claims and clarifying his stance. While the incident reflects the challenges posed by fake news in today’s digital age, it also highlights the resilience of leaders like Ogamba in maintaining their focus on public service.
As Ogamba continues his work to improve Kenya’s education system, his response serves as a reminder of the importance of fact-checking and vigilance in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly.
