By Eye Media Investigations Desk
May 27, 2025 | Kampala
Kenya’s Parliament is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after the arrest of Kajiado West MP George Sunkuyia over allegations of academic fraud.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) confirmed on Tuesday that Sunkuyia was taken into custody over claims that he forged his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate—an offence that could carry serious legal and political consequences.
According to the EACC, Sunkuyia is currently undergoing formal processing and is expected to be arraigned in court to face charges.
From Councillor to Parliament… with a Fake Certificate?
Sunkuyia, a two-term MP elected under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), began his political career in 2002 as a councillor for Olkejuado County Council before rising through the ranks to become an MCA for Keekonyokie ward (2013–2017), and later an MP. But his long public service career may now unravel if the forgery charges are proven in court.
“This is part of our broader crackdown on the use of forged academic papers in public service,” an EACC official told Eye Media on condition of anonymity. “No one is above the law.”
Sunkuyia’s arrest adds to a troubling pattern in which elected leaders are increasingly being exposed for faking their academic qualifications.
In February this year, Juja MP George Ndung’u Koimburi was dragged before a Kiambu court on six counts of forgery, including faking a KCSE certificate and two university documents from JKUAT. He denied all charges and was released on Ksh 200,000 cash bail.
In June 2024, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi was acquitted in a similar case—one that had gripped national attention for years. The court ruled that the prosecution had failed to make its case and cited irregular investigations.
Despite the mixed outcomes, the EACC has shown no signs of slowing down. In January 2025 alone, five public officers were arraigned for using fake academic papers to secure employment and promotions.
“The integrity of our public institutions is at stake,” the EACC said in a recent statement. “We will not relent.”
What’s Next for Sunkuyia?
The MP’s arraignment is expected to take place this week, with legal experts suggesting he could face charges under the Penal Code and the Leadership and Integrity Act. If convicted, he could lose his seat in Parliament—and potentially face jail time.
Political analysts say the saga may also trigger a by-election in Kajiado West if the court nullifies his election based on the fraudulent academic qualifications.
Citizens and civil society groups are calling for deeper vetting of electoral candidates, accusing political parties and oversight agencies of looking the other way during nominations.
“Why are people with questionable papers even cleared to run for office?” posed a voter from Kajiado West. “It’s an insult to the electorate.”
As pressure mounts and legal proceedings unfold, one thing is clear: Kenya’s war on fake credentials is far from over, and the political class is officially on notice.
Stay with Eye Media for updates on this developing story.
