The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has issued a clarification on a news publication stating that it has resolved to give public officers found to have used fake academic papers in securing jobs an amnesty.
The article published by a local newspaper stated that the Commision had promised to withdraw cases against public servants who obtained their jobs using fake credentials if they return all the money that they had earned illegally.
However, the EACC has confirmed that it was not aware of such an amnesty offer.
“EACC is not aware of the amnesty offer referred to in the attached story,” read the EACC statement in part.
EACC Clarifies of The Misleading Information
In the statement, the EACC encouraged media houses to seek more information and clarifications to avoid misinformation.
“To ensure accurate and contextual reporting of technical issues, writers are encouraged to, where necessary, seek more information and clarifications from the commission to avoid misleading the public,” read the statement in part.
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Additionally, EACC clarified that the commission’s utilization of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) doesn’t automatically preclude it from suggesting criminal prosecution for the individuals involved.
The commission also noted that salaries and benefits obtained illegally by public officials must be fully returned.
This means that if a suspect opts for alternative dispute resolutions to voluntarily return their earnings, only civil recovery cases will be halted.
Salaries Earned by Illegal Means
“Salaries and benefits earned by public officials on the basis of forged academic qualifications are recoverable fully,” read the statement.
Also Read: EACC Arrests Govt Official Over Fake Degree
“If a suspect engages the commission for ADR to voluntarily surrender what they have earned over the years, it is only the civil recovery cases that will continue.”
The alarm about public servants obtaining jobs with fake credentials was raised by Public Service Commission Chairman Anthony Muchiri.
On February,13,2024 Muchiri issued a directive to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and EACC to hunt down government officials with fake degrees.
This is after the commission noted that some government workers had forged their academic certificates and altered their ranking to indicate that they obtained first class honors.
