Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters’ Serious Crime Unit (SCU), working in collaboration with officers from the Commission for University Education (CUE), on December 14, brought a graduation ceremony to an abrupt stop at Victory International Church in Changamwe, Mombasa County, after establishing that it had been organised by an unaccredited institution.
“Yesterday brought the curtain down on a graduation ceremony organised by an unaccredited institution at Victory International Church, Changamwe, Mombasa County,” read part of their statement.
The operation followed intelligence reports indicating that an illegal graduation ceremony was in progress.
Acting on the information, the officers proceeded to the venue and found the ceremony already underway.
Graduands were dressed in academic regalia, with caps in the air and proceedings ongoing, before the detectives swiftly intervened and halted the event.
Organisers Fail to Produce Accreditation Documents to DCI
When questioned, the organisers, directors, and officials linked to Menorah Training Institute and Dominion Mission Theological University Global, which is based in Ghana, were required to present mandatory accreditation documents from the Commission for University Education.
According to the DCI, the officials were unable to produce the required approvals, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the institution and the academic qualifications that were set to be awarded.
The failure to provide accreditation documents left the academic claims of the institutions unsubstantiated.
Diploma Approval Versus Degree Awards
The statement stated further that preliminary investigations established that Menorah Training Institute is duly registered with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA).
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“However, a closer look at the graduation list raised more red flags,” they said.
A closer examination of the graduation list raised serious concerns among investigators. Five individuals were listed as graduating with master’s degrees, while seventeen others were set to receive degree certificates.
These qualifications are outside the scope of approval granted to Menorah Training Institute and are neither licensed nor authorised under its current registration status.
The presence of degree and master’s awards at the ceremony raised red flags, given that the institution does not have the legal mandate to confer such qualifications.
Arrests and Continuing Investigations
Following the findings at the venue, detectives arrested several officials associated with the institutions.
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Those taken into custody include Daniel Dela, identified as the president, board members John Kibet, Philomena Milano, and Ann Ogola Owiti, as well as Jason Oduor and Michael Ochieng.
The suspects are currently in custody and are undergoing processing pending arraignment in court. The DCI stated that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
As the probe continues, Kenyans have been urged to remain vigilant and to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling in any academic programmes.
Authorities cautioned that enrolling in unaccredited institutions exposes learners to invalid qualifications, emphasising that shortcuts in education often lead to dead ends.
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