Nairobi gubernatorial candidate Johnson Sakaja has had quite a rough week as he fights to clear his name following allegations that he forged his degree certificate.
In a matter before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), four petitioners want Sakaja barred from contesting in the August polls, over an alleged lack of requisite education.
A university degree is a requirement for any candidate seeking the position of governor in Kenya under the current constitution.
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Sakaja claims to have obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management degree from Team University in Uganda, despite stating severally in the past, that he had graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Actuarial Science.
As the hearing of the matter by the IEBC tribunal continues, there have been several twists regarding the authenticity of Sakaja's papers.
UoN refutes claims Sakaja graduated from the Institution
Early this week, the University of Nairobi confirmed that Sakaja is yet to complete his studies.
UoN communications director John Orindi said that the Senator was admitted to the university on a module two programme in 2003 but is yet to graduate.
“It is true Sakaja was admitted to the university and was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science, studied from first year up to fourth year, but is yet to graduate," he said.
Sakaja disowns name cited by a petitioner
On Monday, June 13, 2022, Sakaja maintained that he graduated from Team University on October 16, 2016, having undertaken the course online.
Sakaja further told IEBC that the name cited by one of the complainants does not belong to him clarifying that his name is Sakaja Johnson Arthur, not Sakaja Koskei Johnson.
"Complainants' wild allegations to the effect that l did not graduate from Team University are factually hollow and unfounded. For nefarious goals, the complainants have fraudulently omitted relevant pages in the graduation booklet that bear my graduation credentials," the senator stated.
He added: "I have never been known, identified or addressed by a name Sakaja Koskei Johnson in any manner whoever associated to in one of the complainants herein."
Ugandan gov't confirms Sakaja's degree is genuine
The Commission of Universities Education (CUE) earlier said that authorities in Uganda had confirmed that the lawmaker's degree is genuine.
In a letter seen by K24 Digital, the commission said that it had received information from the Ugandan government stating that Sakaja graduated from Teams University and that the degree certificate is valid.
CUE revokes recognition of Sakaja’s degree
In another twist on Wednesday, CUE said it had revoked the recognition of the Senator’s degree from Team.
In a letter dated Wednesday, June 15, 2022, CUE said that it had received material information concerning Sakaja's Bachelor of Science in Management degree from Team University that put doubts on the authenticity of the degree certificate.
The Commission asked for more time to ascertain the validity of the legislator's paper.
"The Commission for University Education has, however, received material information about the authenticity of the degree you presented from Team University that will require further investigation to ascertain the validity of the said degree certificate. Consequently, in accordance to the CUE recognition procedures, we hereby revoke the recognition of your degree - Bachelor of Science in Management (External) from the aforementioned university," the letter read in part.
The hearing of the matter continues.
