The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to cracking down on corruption in Kenya’s public sector.
On October 14, 2024, EACC officers arrested a senior official from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for allegedly forging academic certificates to secure employment at the electoral body.
This arrest comes after a thorough investigation revealed that the official had submitted fake academic credentials, which allowed her to land a job at the IEBC on April 4, 2012.
The official is accused of presenting a forged Master of Arts (Population Studies) degree certificate, purportedly from the University of Nairobi and dated May 9, 2004.
This fraudulent document not only enabled her to gain initial employment but also to secure promotions within the IEBC, leading to substantial financial benefits.
According to the EACC, the cumulative salary and benefits she received during her tenure amount to over Ksh 37 million, all of which are now considered as fraudulently acquired public property.
EACC spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed the arrest, stating that the official was apprehended at her residence in Nairobi West.
She was then escorted to the EACC Integrity Centre Police Station for processing.
The spokesperson further noted that the official would be arraigned at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, where she would face charges of forgery and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.
The charges fall under section 345, as read with section 349 of the Penal Code, which deals with forgery and uttering false documents.
Additionally, she faces charges under section 353 for presenting false documents.
The DPP approved the charges following the EACC’s detailed investigation, and the official is set to answer for the forgery and the unlawful benefits accrued as a result of the fake academic papers.
The EACC is also preparing to file civil proceedings aimed at recovering the Ksh 37 million that the official earned through fraudulent means.
This arrest is part of a larger initiative by the EACC to combat the growing problem of public officers obtaining jobs through forged documents.
Over recent months, several high-profile cases of fake academic qualifications in the public sector have emerged, leading to calls for greater accountability and reforms in the recruitment processes.
The public has expressed strong support for these efforts, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The arrest also draws attention to the need for more rigorous background checks and vetting processes within public institutions.
The use of fake academic certificates has become a widespread issue, and it threatens the integrity of Kenya’s public service.
By arresting and prosecuting individuals found to have obtained jobs through fraudulent means, the EACC aims to send a strong message that corruption and dishonesty will not be tolerated.
The IEBC, which is responsible for overseeing elections in Kenya, is a critical institution in the country’s democratic framework.
The arrest of a senior official within the commission raises concerns about the integrity of the organization.
There are growing calls for the IEBC to conduct an internal audit to ensure that all employees hold legitimate qualifications.
This incident also underscores the need for public institutions across Kenya to adopt stronger ethical standards and promote transparency within their ranks.
The focus will be on ensuring that justice is served, not only through the criminal prosecution but also by recovering the funds that were unlawfully obtained.
The EACC’s pursuit of both criminal and civil actions against the official demonstrates its commitment to holding public officers accountable and upholding the rule of law.
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