Gachagua’s Move Leaves Hussein Mohammed Surprised

During a national wage bill meeting in Nairobi attended by President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Governors Johnson Sakaja and Anne Waiguru, and various leaders, DP Gachagua, also known as Riggy G, addressed the issue of civil servants allegedly holding fake academic credentials.

In a candid speech, Riggy G pointed out the presence of officials, including some governors, with questionable academic papers, suggesting they contribute to the inflated public wage bill. He proposed a stringent crackdown, estimating that removing individuals with fake certificates could save billions of shillings.

The reaction from Hussein Mohammed, the State House Spokesperson, was palpable as he reacted with astonishment, reflecting the gravity of Riggy G’s remarks.

Mohammed’s visible shock underscores the significance of the issue, particularly in light of Governor Sakaja’s previous scrutiny over his university qualifications.

Governor Sakaja’s own academic credentials had been subject to public scrutiny during his vetting for a gubernatorial seat, raising debates about their authenticity. Despite the controversies, Sakaja was ultimately cleared to run for office after legal battles.

President Ruto reinforced the seriousness of the matter during the conference, asserting that individuals found to possess fake academic credentials would be obligated to reimburse their salaries and allowances.

The prevalence of forged academic papers extends beyond governors and senior officials, as evidenced by recent arrests made by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Individuals like Halkano Dabasso, a ward administrator, Noah Oluoch Oketch, a former General Manager, and Dolal Mohamed Mohamud, the Managing Director of Garissa Water and Sewage Company, have faced charges related to forged academic documents.

Riggy G’s call for action against fake academic credentials reflects a broader concern within the government about integrity and transparency. Addressing this issue is crucial not only to curb corruption but also to ensure meritocracy and accountability in public service.

As the nation grapples with the challenge of tackling corruption and improving governance, initiatives to verify academic qualifications and hold individuals accountable for fraudulent practices are essential steps toward fostering trust and efficiency in the public sector.