IEBC calls for investigations into Korane’s academic papers

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati. He asked the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission(EACC) and Directorate of Criminal investigations(DCI) to conclusively investigate the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to book.  (Courtesy)

NAIROBI—The IEBC on Tuesday called on investigative agencies in the country to comprehensively probe the validity of Garissa Governor Ali Korane’s academic documents.

In a statement to the press, chairman Wafula Chebukati asked the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission(EACC) and Directorate of Criminal investigations(DCI) to conclusively investigate the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to book.

The IEBC chairman seemed to distance the poll agency from the blame by lawyer Charles Kanjama that a second fraudulent file on the governor’s nomination documents had been sneaked into IEBC after commencement of investigations.

“We caution against unfounded statements that are not justifiable and prejudicial to the investigations. The commission calls upon Kanjama and any other persons with any information that may implicate fraud or alteration of documents by IEBC staff to report the same and help with investigations,” said Chebukati.

Mr Chebukati explained that Mr Korane was cleared to vie on the basis of the nomination documents he presented before the IEBC County Returning Officer, which includes a duly filled self-declaration form.

In a letter dated February 5, 2018, Chebukati noted that the copies of the forms were forwarded to the EACC on February 15, 2018.

“The Commission gave EACC certified copies of the requested nomination documents for both 4th March, 2013 and 8th August, 2017 General Elections but invited the EACC investigators to visit IEBC to verify the same with the original documents,” he added.

Wafula Chebukati further stated that, EACC also asked for the original documents that Mr Korane submitted during nomination in the General Elections of 2013 and 2017 through letters dated February 26, 2018 and August 9, 2018.

Despite Korane’s latest denial, documents at the and the EACC and the IEBC show that he declared last year that he holds an MA in Business Administration.

Speaking on Sunday through their lawyer Charles Kanjama, the family of Idriss Mukhtar noted that Idriss was keen to establish Korane’s academic qualifications.

Dr Aden Mukhtar, father to Idriss showed concern that justice may not prevail in the shooting of their son, pointing a finger at Korane, whom he said is a “prime suspect”.

Kanjama revealed to reporters that he had written to the University of Nairobi seeking clarification on the governor’s academic documents.

He noted that he received a reply confirming the governor never attended or obtained academic documents from the institution.