May 28, 2022, will be remembered as the day Babu Owino, a Kenyan lawmaker, offered to solve the academic woes of his colleague Cleophas Malala. In a cheeky move, Owino offered to sell one of his degrees to Malala, who is facing controversy over his academic credentials.
Malala, the outgoing Kakamega Senator, has been at the center of a storm in recent times. His academic qualifications have been questioned, with some alleging that his degree is not genuine. The electoral laws in Kenya dictate that any gubernatorial aspirant must have a University degree.
Malala has shared copies of his academic papers on social media as proof of his suitability to contest the county's gubernatorial seat. However, the papers he shared were supposedly certified by the Commission for University Education, which has raised more questions than answers.
‘The Commission for University Education (CUE) has duly certified and recognized my academic credentials and henceforth advised the IEBC to clear me to contest in the August 2022 gubernatorial election, Kakamega county. Those who cherish propaganda, feel ashamed. Attached are the true copies of my academic accolades,’ Malala tweeted.
However, Owino, who is known to have two degrees and a Master's degree, has offered to come to Malala's rescue. In a tweet, Owino said, ‘Academic dwarf, Academic orphan, Village salad, that’s him. Let him come I’ll sell him one degree Certificate. 1. Actuarial Science (First Class Honors) will cost him an arm and a leg plus his heart and Two kidneys. 2. Masters in Actuarial Science will cost him...’
Owino's move has sparked a lot of debate on social media, with some questioning the legitimacy of the offer. The Kenyan laws also indicate that one cannot use another person's degree in search of employment opportunities.
