NAIROBI, Kenya- The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a fresh investigation into a senior medical social worker at the Wajir County Government over allegations of forgery.
This case has caught the attention of many, given the serious implications of the alleged offense and its potential impact on public trust.
At the heart of the investigation is a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Mount Kenya University (MKU) that the suspect allegedly used to secure a senior position at the Wajir County Public Service Board.
According to a report received by the EACC, this degree might be as fictional as it gets.
The EACC’s initial investigation, as revealed in a gazette notice dated August 9, discovered that the suspect was never enrolled at MKU—meaning the degree certificate and academic transcripts presented to secure the job were anything but genuine.
The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated. It’s not just about a piece of paper; it’s about the integrity of public institutions and the processes that should safeguard them.
The EACC’s findings suggest that the suspect managed to fraudulently earn a substantial salary—Ksh 6.8 million over an eight-year period—from June 2016 to January 2023. That’s a long time to be flying under the radar with fake credentials.
This isn’t the first time the EACC has brought this case forward. In fact, the commission had previously forwarded its findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), recommending that the suspect face charges on multiple counts, including fraudulent acquisition of public property, forgery, and uttering a false document.
However, the plot thickened on July 24, 2024, when the DPP returned the file, advising the EACC to dig deeper before any charges could be pursued.
So, here we are again, with the EACC back on the case, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
This fresh round of investigations underscores the importance of thoroughness in such cases, especially when public funds and the integrity of government positions are at stake.
As the EACC continues its work, the public watches closely, hoping that this case will serve as a warning to others who might consider using fraudulent means to gain public office.
The EACC’s renewed investigation into the alleged degree forgery by a senior Wajir County worker is a critical step in ensuring accountability and transparency within Kenya’s public service.
