Six social media admins arrested, charged over KCSE malpractice

By Peter Ochieng

Six social media admins have been arrested and charged over claims of malpractice in the ongoing Kenya Secondary School Education (KCSE) exams.

The exams started today across the country, with over 500,000 candidates sitting for the month long test.

The six were nabbed for operating various Telegram sites, coming on the backdrop of a multi-agency operation by Communication Authority (CA) officers, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers attached to the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), and all telecommunication service providers in the country.

A KNEC monitoring team, according to a statement from DCI identified over 32 social media platforms being used to share, sell and post examination materials in violation of the KNEC Act and other regulations.

Investigations gained momentum claiming the first suspect, identified as Nicholas Kalewa, also known as Mr Examiner.

The 23 year old had been a teacher at a private school in Kiambu county.

By November 4, six admins had been arrested.

"Among the suspects stood out the notorious Martin Mogusu aka Prof Martinez, who operated one of the most sought after telegram groups - The Teacher's Updates - with a following in excess of 18,000. In his group, he called upon teachers, parents and students to 'relax, we are here for you and will give you all the support you need.' As they relaxed, the 'professor' was launching more coffers for the thousands of shillings obtained from them," said DCI.

Others arrested are two students from Thika Medical School, Faith Wairimu Maina, 19 and Bilha Atieno Elly aka Abilo, 20.

Another 20-year-old admin, Prudence Mukami aka Sir Waylen was also netted as she sought customer care services at a Safaricom shop after a line she had used in opening her telegram account was suspended.

Wilfred Ondienga Obara aka Prof Wilfred and Anderson Malotwa Agasiva, 24 were also arrested.

The six were arraigned on Monday, charged with, among other offences, the publication of false information.