The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a former Kisumu County government official on allegations of forging academic certificates.
In a statement on Tuesday, January 14, EACC said Nick Odhiambo Migot, the former Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), was apprehended following investigations that revealed he used fake academic documents to secure his position in the County Government.
EACC stated that over a period of three years, he earned Ksh 4.6 million in salary through fraudulent means.
“The investigations revealed that the suspect forged a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science Degree Certificate, falsely attributing it to the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate, purporting it to have been issued by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC),” the statement read.
The forged documents were allegedly presented to the Kisumu County Public Service Board during the interview for the ICT Director position.
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Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the EACC forwarded its findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who concurred with the Commission's recommendation to charge Migot.
The suspect faces three charges; forgery contrary to Section 345 as read with Section 349 of the Penal Code, uttering a false document contrary to Section 353 of the Penal Code, and fraudulent acquisition of public property contrary to Section 45(1)(a) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.
Migot is currently held at Kisumu Central Police Station and is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, January 15.
"The Commission continues to urge all public entities to strengthen internal controls to ensure the effective detection of any fake academic certificates submitted by candidates seeking employment or career progression.
"Each Accounting Officer has the responsibility to ensure that all suspected cases of forgery of academic certificates in their institution are promptly dealt with under the relevant Public Service Regulations and details of implicated officers forwarded to EACC for further action in accordance with the law," the statement concluded.
