NAIROBI, Kenya – Four former officials of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) are under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for allegedly forging academic certificates to secure employment at the electoral body. The officials reportedly earned over Ksh35 million through fraudulent means.
One of the suspects, whose details were gazetted by the EACC on Friday, allegedly forged a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and a degree certificate to secure a clerical officer position at the IEBC. The EACC launched an investigation after receiving allegations that the certificates were not genuine.
“The Commission received a report on allegations that an employee of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had forged a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Certificate from Namboboto Secondary School and a degree certificate from Egerton University to secure employment as a clerical officer,” read a notice from EACC.
Upon investigation, the EACC confirmed with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and Egerton University that the suspect had never attended the institutions nor sat for the claimed examinations. The suspect also falsified academic credentials on personal records submitted to IEBC, fraudulently earning Ksh13,022,402 in salaries.
Following the findings, the EACC recommended that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, charge the suspect in court. The DPP reviewed the inquiry file and approved prosecution on December 18, 2024. Additionally, the EACC proposed a civil suit to recover the Ksh13,022,402 acquired through fraudulent employment.
Additional Suspects on the Radar
The commission is also pursuing an Assistant Election Officer who allegedly used a forged KCSE certificate from St. Claire Girls Secondary School to obtain employment at the IEBC.
“The Commission received a report on allegations that an employee of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) used a forged KCSE certificate from St. Claire Girls Secondary School to secure employment as an assistant election officer,” the EACC statement added.
Investigations confirmed with KNEC that the certificate was fake. During employment, the suspect fraudulently earned Ksh11,650,056 in salaries.
A third suspect is also under investigation for similar fraudulent activities. The individual allegedly submitted a counterfeit KCSE certificate from Naari Secondary School to obtain a position as an Assistant Election Officer, a role that requires a valid KCSE certificate.
EACC’s investigation found the certificate to be fraudulent according to KNEC records. During employment, the suspect unlawfully earned a total salary of Ksh11,166,582.
A report on the matter was compiled and forwarded to the DPP on October 7, 2024, recommending charges, including fraudulent acquisition of public property under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA) and forgery under the Penal Code.
The DPP reviewed the evidence and, on November 28, 2024, returned the inquiry file with approval for prosecution. The case is now set to proceed, with authorities keen on recovering the illegally obtained funds and holding the suspects accountable.
The investigations highlight ongoing efforts to combat fraud and corruption within government agencies, ensuring that only qualified individuals hold public office.
