The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) manager for Lari in Kiambu County, Florence Njeri Njuguna, has been arrested for allegedly using fake academic papers to secure her position.
Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) nabbed her on Wednesday after months of investigations.
Njuguna is accused of fraudulently obtaining the prestigious job and illegally earning over Ksh2.2 million in public funds.
Her arrest has ignited public anger, raising questions about the credibility of recruitment in public offices.
Fake Academic Papers Land CDF Manager in Trouble
Florence Njeri Njuguna’s arrest followed a detailed probe into allegations that she used fake academic papers to secure her role as the Lari CDF manager. According to the EACC, Njuguna presented a forged Bachelor’s degree certificate allegedly from Moi University. Investigators also discovered that her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate, supposedly from Kahuhia Girls High School, was fake.
Armed with this evidence, EACC officers moved swiftly to apprehend Njuguna. “EACC has today arrested the Lari Constituency Fund Manager at the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). The arrest follows an allegation that she had used forged academic documents to secure her position,” said the agency.
Investigations further showed that Njuguna fraudulently earned Ksh2,229,123 in salary payments during her tenure. This money, drawn from public coffers, was unlawfully obtained based on her fake academic papers.
“As a result of her fraudulent appointment, the manager unlawfully received Ksh2,229,123 in salary payments,” EACC confirmed.
The anti-graft agency handed the completed case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved charges against Njuguna. She is set to face prosecution for fraudulent acquisition of public property, forgery, and uttering false documents.
Kenya’s Penal Code stipulates a maximum prison sentence of three years for those convicted of forging academic papers. Njuguna’s arrest sends a clear message about the consequences of using fake credentials.
A Pattern of Forgery in Public Offices
Njuguna’s case is part of a growing list of public officials caught using fake academic papers to secure jobs. Her arrest mirrors other high-profile incidents that have exposed loopholes in Kenya’s public recruitment systems.
In March, EACC arrested the Huruma Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) over similar allegations. The MCA allegedly forged a diploma certificate from Kenya Polytechnic to qualify for office.
Investigators also uncovered that the suspect had forged the signature and stamp of an Advocate and Commissioner for Oaths. The MCA was later booked at the Integrity Centre Police Station to face charges.
Such cases highlight a worrying trend of fake academic papers infiltrating public offices. They undermine meritocracy, deny qualified candidates opportunities, and weaken institutions meant to serve Kenyans.
Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability
Njuguna’s arrest has triggered widespread outrage among Kiambu residents and civil society groups. Many are questioning how someone with fake academic papers could pass the recruitment process undetected.
“How did she pass vetting? This exposes deep flaws in the hiring system,” said James Mwangi, a Lari resident.
Transparency International Kenya has called for a national audit of academic papers for all senior public officials. “We cannot allow fake academic papers to erode the integrity of public service. Immediate verification processes are needed,” the organization urged in a statement.
Public trust in government hiring systems has taken a hit following Njuguna’s arrest. Many Kenyans are demanding stricter checks to prevent individuals with fake academic papers from getting into leadership roles.
As Njuguna awaits arraignment, her case stands as a stark warning to others who may be tempted to forge qualifications. Authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to weed out fake academic papers across public offices, reinforcing the fight against corruption and fraud in Kenya.
