Church Urges Politicians With Forged Academic Credentials Not to Run for Office

Archbishop Ole Sapit said the country had enough tax-payer-funded institutions to rein in candidates suspected of possessing forged academic certificates and those violating various electoral laws, such as forgery and providing false information in violation of the Penal Code and the Leadership and Integrity Act.

Speaking in Molo Town after visiting ACK parishes in the Sub-County, the Arch-bishop urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Commission on University Education (CUE), and the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) to work together to tighten the noose on academic fraud and smoke it out of the system.

The ACK president stated that institutions of higher learning should vet politicians who claim to have received suspect degrees from them, adding that the institutions have the right and duty to defend their reputation, which is being dragged through the mud.

“Concerned state agencies must end the ensuing confusion that we are witnessing. The law should be applied to all suspects. The culprits, if any, are severely punished, such as being barred from public office for some time we will have protected the integrity of the education sector, universities, and the electoral system itself,” he stated.

The Archbishop stated that the Church has no preferred candidate, and that "the Church's mandate ends with praying for the elections."

He charged politicians with respecting the freedom of all Kenyans and allowing them to vote freely in elections. He also urged leaders to accept election results.

“We are encouraged to embrace prudence, fairness, fortitude, and sobriety to guard against evil during this season. These are human virtues that order our relationship with our neighbors,” he added.

He also urged those running for public office to "avoid attacking, using inciting words and slogans that divide Kenyans and have further implications for national unity and cohesion."

Believers have also been urged to avoid bribery in order to make sound voting decisions.

The ACK chief warned Kenyans to be wary of leaders who promise peaceful elections but do not follow through on their promises.

“Kenyans must now vote for leaders not because of their ethnicity or wealth but elect leaders of integrity who uphold ethical values. We need responsible leaders who will deliver what they promise,” the ACK head stated.