Six arrested for ‘leaking’ KCSE exams
Police have arrested six people who are suspected to have used their social media platforms to leak the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) exams.
The six were arrested after police launched a multi-agency operation that was led by officers from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and DCI officers attached to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and all telecommunication service providers.
According to the DCI, the operation was launched after the CA wrote a letter to KNEC identifying over 32 social media platforms being used to share, sell, and post examination materials in violation of the KNEC Act and regulations.
“In a letter to the Communications Authority of Kenya dated October 19, 2023, that was copied to security agencies, the Deputy Director, Legal Service Division of KNEC Befly Jemurgor Bisem listed the 32 suspicious SM telegram platforms, 30 of which were active with a membership of over 193,000 parents and students,” said the DCI in a statement issued on Monday.
Police said after arresting the first suspect, Mr Examiner, over 60,000 members left various groups, leaving active participation of more than 130,000 members.
The suspect was a CRE teacher at a private school in Kiambu County.
According to DCI, by November 4, six more admins who coordinated the fraudulence in sharing, selling, and posting of examination materials in different telegram groups thereby softly robbing their members of hundreds of thousands and millions of shillings had been arrested.
DCI added that among the suspects was one famously known as Professor who operated one of the most sought-after telegram groups.
The group was known as the Teacher’s Updates – with a following of more than 18,000 people.
“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, and for what!” said the DCI.
Police also arrested two students from Thika Medical School one aged 19 and 20, while another 20-year-old admin 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.
In other separate operations, Wilfred Ondienga Obara aka Prof Wilfred, and Anderson Malotwa Agasiva, 24 were arrested, according to the DCI.
The six were arraigned on Monday and charged with, among other offences, the publication of false information.
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