EACC Charges Machakos Chief Officer: Forged Certificates, Sh1.5M Fraud

• A former Machakos County chief officer has been charged with using forged academic certificates to secure a senior government position.
• The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) alleges the officer used a fake Bachelor of Commerce degree and a fraudulent CPA certificate.
• The accused served as Chief Officer for Industry and Innovation from January to November 2023, earning over Sh1.5 million in salaries.
• The EACC intends to recover the Sh1,585,967.90 in salaries through separate civil proceedings.
• The officer was arrested on August 31, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to charges including fraudulent acquisition of public property and forgery at the Machakos Law Courts.

This dual enforcement strategy, encompassing both criminal prosecution and civil recovery, underscores the Commission's unwavering commitment not only to prosecuting individuals for criminal acts but also to reclaiming public funds illicitly acquired through deceit.

A former high-ranking official in Machakos County has been formally accused of securing a significant public service role through the use of falsified academic credentials. The individual, previously serving as the Chief Officer for Industry and Innovation, faces serious charges stemming from an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into alleged document fraud. This case, centered on a Machakos chief officer forged certificates EACC charges, underscores the rigorous scrutiny now applied to qualifications in public appointments across Kenya.

The allegations detail that the former chief officer presented a forged Bachelor of Commerce degree certificate, purportedly issued by the University of Nairobi in 2004, specializing in Accounting. Furthermore, a fake Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Final Examination Certificate, dated June 2019, was reportedly utilized to bolster the fraudulent application for the senior position. These alleged deceptions enabled the former officer to hold the Chief Officer role from January to November 2023, a tenure of nearly a year.

During this period, the accused accrued salaries totaling Sh1,585,967.90. This substantial sum represents public funds obtained under what the EACC asserts were false pretenses, forming a key component of the charges related to fraudulent acquisition of public property. The Commission's findings indicate that the academic qualifications presented were entirely fraudulent, leading to the current legal proceedings.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) spearheaded the comprehensive investigation into the alleged misconduct, ultimately establishing that the academic qualifications presented by the former official were indeed fraudulent. Following their thorough inquiry, the EACC forwarded its findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who subsequently approved three distinct charges against the accused, initiating the formal legal process.

These charges include the fraudulent acquisition of public property, uttering a false document, and the forgery of academic certificates. The former chief officer was apprehended on August 31, 2026, and subsequently appeared before the Machakos Law Courts on September 1, 2026. During the arraignment, the accused entered a plea of not guilty to all allegations, setting the stage for a judicial examination of the evidence.

The court granted the accused bail, setting the terms at a cash payment of Sh1 million. As an alternative, a bond of Sh2 million with a surety for an equivalent amount was offered, providing options for release pending trial. This Machakos Law Courts forgery case highlights the ongoing efforts by the EACC to combat corruption and document fraud within Kenya's public sector, particularly concerning high-level appointments.

Beyond the immediate criminal proceedings, the EACC has declared its firm intention to pursue separate civil proceedings aimed at recovering the salaries and other benefits allegedly obtained through the use of these fraudulent academic qualifications. This dual enforcement strategy, encompassing both criminal prosecution and civil recovery, underscores the Commission's unwavering commitment not only to prosecuting individuals for criminal acts but also to reclaiming public funds illicitly acquired through deceit.

This case vividly illustrates the Ethics Anti-Corruption Commission Kenya's intensified focus on combating the pervasive issue of forged academic certificates Kenya being used to secure public employment. The EACC's proactive stance sends a clear and unequivocal message regarding the severe legal and financial consequences for public officials who attempt to circumvent qualification requirements through fraudulent means. It reinforces the fundamental principle that positions of public trust demand genuine credentials, integrity, and adherence to established ethical standards.

The pursuit of both criminal charges and civil recovery for fraudulent acquisition of public property by the EACC serves as a critical deterrent across the public service. It signals to all public servants and aspiring candidates that the Commission is dedicated to upholding the integrity of public service appointments and will vigorously pursue all available legal avenues to ensure accountability and restitution for any ill-gotten gains. This comprehensive approach aims to safeguard public resources and maintain trust in governmental institutions.

This case underscores the EACC's intensified focus on prosecuting public officials who secure positions using fraudulent academic qualifications and its commitment to pursuing civil recovery of salaries obtained through such means. Lawyers and compliance officers should note the dual criminal and civil enforcement strategy, advising clients on robust due diligence for appointments and the significant financial and reputational risks associated with document fraud in public service.

Source: Reporting based on EACC disclosures.