Three government employees apprehended

The arrest of three government employees by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has sent shockwaves through the country. John Onyango Odhiambo, Adan Bagajo Lamma, and George Ereng Lotieng, who were employed at the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Funds (SASDF), are now facing serious charges of forging their academic certificates.

The investigation into their alleged misconduct revealed that the suspects had presented counterfeit academic credentials in order to secure their jobs and potentially increase their salaries. It was discovered that despite discontinuing their education, they had submitted forged academic documents to the employment body.

John Onyango, one of the accused, had submitted a falsified 2011 KCSE certificate from Starays Hope Community Center in Nairobi. Adan Lamma, on the other hand, presented a counterfeit 1998 KCSE certificate from Marsabit Boys High School, despite dropping out in Form Two. Similarly, George Ereng Lotieng submitted a forged KCSE certificate from St. Marks Boys High School in Cherangany, where he also dropped out in Form Two.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) report further confirmed that John Onyango had altered his grades in order to meet the qualification threshold for the job. In the case of Adan and Ereng, their alleged examination centers were found to be non-existent in the years they claimed to have taken their exams. The arrest of these government employees has raised concerns about the integrity of the hiring process within the public sector.

It has also highlighted the need for stricter verification procedures to prevent such fraudulent activities from occurring in the future. The trio is set to be arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on Friday, May 25, where they will face charges related to forgery and presenting false documents. If found guilty, they could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and transparency in the public sector. It is crucial for government employees to uphold the highest standards of integrity and to be held accountable for their actions. The arrest of these individuals sends a strong message that fraudulent activities will not be tolerated and that those who engage in such behavior will face the full force of the law.