DCI Arrests Six Telegram Admins for KCSE Exam Malpractice
DCI Arrests Six Telegram Admins for KCSE Exam Malpractice. Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken prompt action by apprehending six administrators of various Telegram channels involved in malpractice during the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. This swift response comes as part of a collaborative operation, involving officials from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), DCI officers who are working closely with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), and cooperation from telecommunication service providers. Officials launched the operation directly in response to discovering more than 32 social media platforms engaging in the unauthorized sharing, selling, and posting of examination materials, a clear violation of the KNEC Act and its associated regulations.
On October 19, 2023, Mr. Befly Jemurgor Bisem, the Deputy Director of the Legal Service Division at KNEC, sent an official letter to the Communications Authority of Kenya, widely distributing copies to relevant security agencies. This letter contained a comprehensive list of the 32 suspicious social media Telegram platforms. Significantly, over 193,000 parents and students actively used 30 of these platforms.
Unveiling the Crackdown: Ensuring Exam Integrity and Justice
As the investigation process progressed, authorities took the first suspect, Nicholas Kalewa, also known as Mr. Examiner, aged 23, into custody. This development led to more than 60,000 members exiting various groups. As a result, the active participation dwindled to approximately 130,000 members by the time November 4 rolled around. Within this timeframe, authorities apprehended six additional administrators involved in fraudulent activities across various Telegram groups.They were actively deceiving their members out of substantial sums of money.
It is worth noting that one of the suspects, Martin Mogusu, known as Prof Martinez, managed the highly sought-after Telegram group known as “The Teacher’s Updates,” boasting an impressive following of over 18,000 members. Within this group, Mogusu extended unwavering support to teachers, parents, and students, all while covertly amassing significant financial gains.
Among the individuals arrested were two students from Thika Medical School, including Faith Wairimu Maina, aged 19, and Bilha Atieno Elly, also known as Abilo and aged 20. Moreover, authorities apprehended a 20-year-old administrator, Prudence Mukami, also known as Sir Waylen, while she sought customer care services at a Safaricom shop. This occurred after the suspension of the mobile line she had used to open her Telegram account.
In distinct operations, authorities took into custody Wilfred Ondienga Obara, also known as Prof Wilfred, and Anderson Malotwa Agasiva, aged 24.
These six suspects were arraigned today and are facing a range of charges, including the dissemination of false information.
Importantly, it should be noted that Form Four candidates across the country have already commenced their theory papers on Monday, November 6.