Kajiado West Member of Parliament George Sunkuyia is facing legal trouble after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested him over allegations of forging academic documents. According to the EACC, the legislator will be charged with multiple offenses including providing false information to the Commission, forgery, and uttering a false document.
In a charge sheet seen by media outlets, the incident dates back to January 30, 2012, when Sunkuyia is accused of presenting a forged Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate to the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). The document, bearing Serial No. 2988068 and indicating a mean grade of C+, was allegedly submitted to the university’s Registrar of Academic Affairs in Juja, Kiambu County.
The EACC claims that Sunkuyia knowingly and fraudulently uttered the document, purporting it to be a genuine certificate issued by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). The Commission has stated that such actions violate the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act as well as the Penal Code.
“The legislator knowingly and fraudulently uttered to the Registrar Academic Affairs, JKUAT, a forged Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with a mean Grade of C+ purporting it to be genuine,” read part of the charge sheet.
This development raises fresh concerns about the vetting of academic qualifications among public officials, a recurring issue in Kenya’s political landscape. If found guilty, Sunkuyia could face fines, imprisonment, or even disqualification from holding public office.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts by the EACC and other oversight bodies to hold leaders accountable and enforce integrity within public service. It also adds to the growing list of elected officials under scrutiny for allegedly presenting false credentials.
Sunkuyia’s arrest comes at a time when the government is under pressure from civil society and the public to enhance transparency in leadership and eliminate corruption. The MP is expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar allegations will be handled in the future, especially ahead of the next general elections.
