EACC Arraigns Three Public Officials Over Forged Academic Certificates

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arraigned three public officials on charges related to the forgery of academic certificates, which they allegedly used to secure employment and promotions in public institutions.

The accused—Kenneth Kiplangat Tonui, Joseph Kihara Kaburugu, and Stacey Mwikali Mbati—are facing multiple counts of forgery, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and deceiving their employers.

The cases, which have sparked public outrage, highlight the growing concern over the infiltration of individuals with fake academic credentials into Kenya’s public service. The EACC has reiterated its call for public institutions to rigorously verify academic documents to safeguard the integrity of the education system and ensure quality service delivery.

Case Details

1. Kenneth Kiplangat Tonui

Tonui, an employee of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), is accused of using a forged Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) to secure his position. Appearing before Milimani Anti-Corruption Principal Magistrate Hon. Celesa Okore on 24th January 2025, Tonui denied charges of forgery, deceiving the principal, uttering a false document, and fraudulently acquiring public property amounting to KES 9,281,655.00. This sum represents the cumulative salary he earned while employed at the IEBC.

Tonui was released on a bond of KES 500,000, with a surety of a similar amount, or an alternative cash bail of KES 100,000. His case is scheduled for mention on 6th February 2025.

2. Joseph Kihara Kaburugu

Kaburugu, a Sports Supervisor at the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, is alleged to have forged a Diploma Certificate in Sports Science Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT). He was arraigned before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on 21st January 2025, where he denied the charges.

Chief Magistrate Hon. Harrison Barasa released him on a bond of KES 500,000 with a surety of a similar amount or an alternative cash bail of KES 100,000. The case will be mentioned on 4th February 2025.

3. Stacey Mwikali Mbati

Mbati, an ICT Officer at the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, is accused of using a forged Bachelor of Information Technology degree, which she falsely claimed was issued by JKUAT. She was charged on 23rd January 2025 with fraudulent acquisition of public property, forgery, uttering a false document, and deceiving the principal.

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Hon. Harrison Barasa, Mbati pleaded not guilty and was released on a bond of KES 500,000 with a surety of a similar amount or an alternative cash bail of KES 100,000. Her case will be mentioned on 5th February 2025.

EACC’s Warning

The EACC has expressed concern over the increasing cases of forged academic certificates being used to secure employment and promotions in public institutions. In a statement, the Commission emphasized that such actions not only compromise the quality of public service but also erode the credibility of the national education system.

“Public entities must take proactive measures to verify the academic credentials of individuals seeking employment or career progression. The infiltration of unqualified personnel into public service undermines the trust of citizens and jeopardizes the delivery of essential services,” the EACC stated.