Huruma Member of County Assembly Peter Owera Oluoch is expected to be arraigned in court today after he was arrested yesterday by sleuths from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over forgery and provision of false information in self-declaration forms.
The MCA, who was seeking a clearance certificate from the anti-graft Authority, is accused of sharing a fake Kenya Polytechnic certificate in the Self-Declaration Form.
The anti-graft authority established that the suspect was never a student of the Diploma program at Kenya Polytechnic.
“EACC arrested Huruma Ward MCA on allegations of forgery and providing false information in the Self-Declaration Forms. Oluoch declared that he held a Diploma from Kenya Polytechnic in the Self-Declaration Form, which upon verification by the Commission, it was established that the suspect was never a student for the Diploma program at Kenya Polytechnic,” EACC said in a statement.
EACC established that he does not hold a diploma and that he forged the signature and stamp impression of an Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths.
This comes as the anti-corruption commission is investigating several government officials for forgery of academic certificates.
In September last year, they indicated that there are over 150 active investigations against public officers over forgery of certificates.
EACC expressed concern over the increasing cases of forged academic certificates being used to secure employment and promotions in public institutions.
The anti-corruption commission emphasized that such actions not only compromise the quality of public service but also erode the credibility of the national education system.
The commission has called on employers as well as higher learning institutions in the country to employ stronger background checks as well as internal controls in a bid to curb what it terms as a rapidly growing phenomenon that is deeply rooted in the country.
“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 has previously stated.