Forgery Suspect Arrested at JKIA After Landing from South Korea

In a report released by DCI on March 18, a man wanted over alleged forgery offences was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) moments after landing from South Korea.

This case has raised concerns over fake academic certificates in Kenya.

The suspect, who is identified as Victor Ochieng Odhiambo, was stopped by immigration officers upon arrival on an Etihad Airways flight EY 768.

Authorities acted on a prior stop order that was issued by the Officer in Charge of Immigration, blocking his entry and placing him under arrest.

According to the investigators, Odhiambo is wanted for offences of forgery contrary to Section 345 as read with Section 349 of the Penal Code, as well as providing a false document contrary to Section 353.

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Forged Degree Used to Secure Job

DCI says the charges are from an alleged fraudulent scheme at the Kenya Pipeline Company, where Odhiambo is accused of presenting a forged Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics.

The certificate, bearing serial number 296168 and issued on December 19, 2008, is believed to have been used to secure a job opportunity as a Senior ICT Officer.

Authorities believe the false certificates enabled him to access a position that required high levels of technical knowledge and integrity, raising questions about the reliability of the verification processes in public institutions.

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Court Appearance and Bail Terms

Following his arrest, Odhiambo was detained at Muthaiga Police Station before being arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on March 18, where he pleaded not guilty.

The court gave him a cash bail of Ksh 300,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh 500,000, with a surety of the same amount.

DCI says that the case is set to be mentioned on April 2, 2026, for pretrial directions.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says it remains committed to cracking down on fraud and protecting the integrity of public institutions.

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Milimani Law Courts structure for illustration purposes. PHOTO/pixels