Telegram Admins Behind Bars: Six KCSE Exam Peddlers Arrested
In the ongoing crackdown on individuals involved in examination malpractices during the current KCSE national examinations, six administrators of various Telegram sites have been apprehended.
It all started when the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) monitoring team found over 32 social media (SM) platforms. This led to a joint operation between the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and telecommunication service providers.
These platforms were being used for the sharing, sale, and posting of examination materials, which was a violation of the KNEC Act and regulations.
ALSO READ: KCSE Double Collection as KNEC CEO Highlights Key Guidelines
In a letter dated October 19, 2023, addressed to the Communications Authority of Kenya, Mr. Befly Jemurgor Bisem, the Deputy Director of the Legal Service Division at KNEC, listed the 32 suspicious SM telegram platforms. Out of these, 30 were active and had a combined membership of over 193,000 parents and students.
As investigations progressed and the first suspect, Nicholas Kalewa, also known as Mr. Examiner (23 years old), was apprehended, over 60,000 members left various groups.
Nevertheless, a significant number of 130,000 members remained actively engaged in these fraudulent activities. Kalewa was identified as a CRE teacher at a private school in Kiambu County.
ALSO READ: TSC Begins Replacement of 2,000 Teachers Interdicted for Seeking Transfers from North Eastern
By November 4, six more administrators involved in coordinating the fraudulent sharing, selling, and posting of examination materials across different telegram groups were arrested. These actions had resulted in significant financial losses for their members, amounting to hundreds of thousands and even millions of shillings.
“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, and for what!
Among the individuals apprehended were two students from Thika Medical School, Faith Wairimu Maina (19 years old) and Bilha Atieno Elly, also known as Abilo (20 years old). Additionally, a 20-year-old administrator, Prudence Mukami, also known as Sir Waylen, was caught while seeking customer care services at a Safaricom shop after her line used to open her telegram account was suspended.
ALSO READ: TSC Says Only Secondary School Teachers to Administer KCSE Exams
In separate operations, Wilfred Ondienga Obara, also known as Prof Wilfred, and Anderson Malotwa Agasiva (24 years old) were arrested. These six individuals have been arraigned, facing charges that include the publication of false information.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issues a reminder to young individuals who may believe that there is a shortcut to wealth and success, emphasizing that engaging in fraudulent practices is a sure way to confine themselves within limited boundaries.
Telegram Admins Behind Bars: Six KCSE Exam Peddlers Arrested
