The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a senior Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) official for allegedly using forged academic certificates to secure employment in 2012.
Media reports on Monday, October 14, indicate that EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed the arrest of Caroline Sabiri Manyange, Manager for Boundaries Delimitation, at her home in Nairobi West.
She was escorted to the EACC Integrity Centre Police Station, where she is currently held for processing to be arraigned before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court today.
The official is set to face charges of forgery and fraudulent acquisition of public property, with a cumulative salary and benefits exceeding Ksh 37 million at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court.
Meanwhile, EACC plans to file civil proceedings to recover the funds obtained through the fake qualifications.
IEBC Senior Officials’ Crime
Media reports reveal that investigations by the EACC established that the suspect forged a Master of Arts in Population Studies which she purports to be a genuine certificate awarded by the University of Nairobi on 9th May 2004.
Moreover, according to the Commission, the suspect used the degree to obtain a promotion at IEBC, thus earning a cumulative salary and benefits amounting to over Kes37 million. Her actions constitute a fraudulent acquisition of public property.
The apprehension followed the competition of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who acceded to recommendations from EACC that Sabiri be charged with forgery, contrary to section 345 as read with section 349 of the Penal Code, and uttering a false document, contrary to section 353 of the Penal Code.
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Role of Professionals in Corruption Scandals
EACC Director of Ethics and Leadership, John Lolkoloi, recently outlined the role that various professionals such as accountants, lawyers, IT and others play in propagating corruption and theft of public funds.
In his keynote address during the official launch of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) Annual Governance & Ethics Conference, in Mombasa, the EACC Director urged professionals to deploy their skills for public good.
In addition, he hinted that no significant scandal involving theft of public funds has ever occurred in the country without the direct involvement of professionals, especially Accountants and Lawyers,” the Director stated.
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“Do not be conduits for proceeds of corruption or assist in perpetuating corrupt schemes,” said the EACC Ethics Director.
Furthermore, he requested the participants to use their professional expertise to advance the public good instead of enabling actions that are inimical to society’s well-being.
Reports indicate that so far, over 2000 public officers have faced allegations of fake certificates depicting how wide this vice has spread.
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