In a dramatic escalation of Kenya’s fight against corruption in public service, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arraigned a former Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Limited (NCWSC) employee on charges of using a forged academic certificate to secure a job and siphon off millions in taxpayer money.
Ms. Asembo Babra Gladys, once an ICT Assistant at the utility firm, now faces a litany of serious offenses that highlight the pervasive issue of credential fraud in government-linked institutions.
The case unfolded on November 10, 2025, when Ms. Asembo appeared before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi, marking the end of a two-month manhunt after she evaded her initial court date.
According to EACC officials, the 35-year-old suspect allegedly presented a counterfeit Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate to land her position at NCWSC, enabling her to fraudulently pocket Ksh 6,236,053.10 in salaries and benefits over an unspecified period.
This amount represents a significant loss to public coffers, underscoring the financial toll of such deceptive practices on essential services like water and sewerage management in Kenya’s capital.
The Charges: A Web of Forgery, Fraud, and Deception
Ms. Asembo pleaded not guilty to multiple counts during her arraignment, setting the stage for what could be a high-profile trial.
The charges, meticulously outlined by the prosecution, include:
- Fraudulent Acquisition of Public Funds: Under Section 45(1)(a) as read with Section 48(1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003, she is accused of unlawfully obtaining Ksh 6,236,053.10 from NCWSC through deceitful means. This offense carries severe penalties, including fines up to twice the amount defrauded or imprisonment for up to 10 years, reflecting Kenya’s stringent stance on economic crimes.
- Deceiving a Principal: Contrary to Section 41(2) as read with Section 48(1) of the same Act, this charge alleges that Ms. Asembo misled her employer by submitting falsified documents, thereby undermining trust in public hiring processes.
- Forgery: As per Section 345 as read with Section 349 of the Penal Code, she is charged with creating a false KCSE certificate that purported to be issued by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). Forgery under Kenyan law is a felony punishable by up to three years in prison, aimed at deterring the manipulation of official documents.
- Uttering a False Document: Under Section 353 of the Penal Code, this involves knowingly presenting the forged certificate as genuine, further compounding her alleged intent to deceive.
These charges stem from a thorough EACC investigation triggered by an anonymous tip-off alleging irregularities in Ms. Asembo’s qualifications.
Investigators verified that the KCSE certificate she submitted during her hiring process was not authentic, despite bearing KNEC’s markings.
KNEC, the body responsible for administering national exams in Kenya, confirmed the document’s falsity, providing crucial evidence that propelled the case forward.
Timeline of Events: From Arrest to Evasion and Recapture
The saga began in early September 2025, when EACC sleuths acted on the report and arrested Ms. Asembo on September 3. She was released on a modest cash bail of Ksh 25,000, with an arraignment scheduled for September 5.
However, in a bold move that intensified the pursuit, she failed to appear, prompting the Milimani Court to issue a warrant for her arrest on September 17.
For over two months, Ms. Asembo remained at large, evading authorities until her re-arrest on November 10 at an undisclosed hideout.
EACC’s statement praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in tracking her down, emphasizing the commission’s resolve to bring fugitives to justice.
Following her plea, Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina granted her release on a Ksh 1,000,000 bond, backed by two sureties of the same amount—a steeper condition reflecting the gravity of her alleged crimes and flight risk.
Upon completion of their probe, EACC forwarded the dossier to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who, after reviewing the evidence, concurred with the recommendations and authorized the charges.
This procedural step highlights the multi-layered oversight in Kenya’s anti-corruption framework, ensuring cases are built on solid evidentiary grounds before proceeding to trial.
Broader Implications: Safeguarding Public Integrity Amid Rising Fraud Cases
This incident is not isolated but part of a troubling pattern of academic credential forgery in Kenya’s public sector. EACC has ramped up scrutiny on hiring practices, with similar cases exposing vulnerabilities in verification processes at state corporations.
For instance, forged certificates erode public trust, divert funds from critical infrastructure like Nairobi’s water supply, and disadvantage qualified candidates in a competitive job market where youth unemployment hovers around 35%.
Experts in anti-corruption advocacy argue that such fraud contributes to inefficiency in public utilities. NCWSC, which serves over 4 million residents in Nairobi and its environs, has faced criticism for service disruptions and mismanagement.
While the company has not commented on this specific case, insiders suggest it may prompt internal audits to prevent future breaches.
EACC’s proactive stance aligns with President William Ruto’s administration’s anti-corruption agenda, which has seen increased funding for investigative bodies.
In their official statement, EACC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment: “We remain dedicated to combating fraud and safeguarding integrity within the public service, ensuring that no one is above the law.”
As the case progresses, it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of credential fraud.
Ms. Asembo’s next court mention is yet to be scheduled, but legal observers anticipate a rigorous examination of evidence, potentially including expert testimony from KNEC officials.
For now, the spotlight remains on Kenya’s justice system to deliver accountability and deter would-be offenders.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, as EACC continues its crackdown on corruption in Kenya’s public institutions.
For more on forgery cases, anti-corruption efforts, and Nairobi water scandals, explore our related coverage.
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