MACHAKOS, Kenya — Former Machakos County Government Chief Officer Joseph Mutwiwa Munyao has been charged with allegedly using forged academic certificates to secure employment in the county government.
Munyao was arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on August 31, 2026, before being arraigned at the Machakos Law Courts on September 1.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The court released him on a cash bail of Sh1 million or an alternative bond of Sh2 million, with a surety of a similar amount.
EACC alleges forged academic certificates
According to the EACC, investigations established that Munyao allegedly forged a Bachelor of Commerce degree certificate in Accounting, purportedly issued by the University of Nairobi in 2004.
The Commission also alleges that he forged a Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Final Examination Certificate dated June 2019.
EACC said the documents were allegedly used to support Munyao’s qualifications when he sought employment with the Machakos County Government.
The Commission’s findings remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
Former chief officer earned Sh1.58 million
EACC alleges that Munyao used the certificates to secure appointment as Chief Officer, Industry and Innovation in the Machakos County Government.
He held the position from January to November 2023.
During his tenure, the Commission said, Munyao received salaries amounting to approximately Sh1,585,967.90.
The alleged earnings form part of the basis for the fraud-related charges facing the former county official.
Three charges approved by DPP
After completing its investigations, EACC forwarded the inquiry file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The DPP subsequently approved charges against Munyao relating to:
- Fraudulent acquisition of public property
- Uttering a false document
- Forgery of academic certificates
The charges relate to the alleged use and creation of academic documents that investigators say were not genuine.
Munyao has denied the allegations by pleading not guilty.
EACC seeks recovery of salaries
Beyond the criminal proceedings, EACC said it will initiate civil proceedings to recover the salaries and other benefits allegedly obtained through the use of the disputed academic qualifications.
The Commission’s move means the case could involve both criminal proceedings over the alleged forgery and separate civil proceedings seeking recovery of public funds.
The outcome of those proceedings will depend on evidence presented before the courts.
