Group calls for probe into academic qualifications of Nyeri deputy governor

What you need to know:

  • Mr Mugo says there has been a lot of public anxiety among the public, raising doubts about Mr Wamathai's qualifications.
  • Mr Mugo is further accusing Mr Miano, the Tourism executive, of holding a state office illegally.
  • According to Mr Mugo, the executive holds dual citizenship, being both a citizen of the United States of America and a Kenya.
  • Mr Miano said he had not seen the contents of the letter written to EACC and was, therefore, not in a position to respond.

A human rights group has written to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) seeking investigations of the academic qualifications of Nyeri Deputy Governor Samuel Wamathai and the citizenship of a county executive.

In a letter dated September 13, 2016, Futa Magendo Action Network Executive Coordinator James Maina Mugo petitioned the EACC to launch investigations into the authenticity of academic qualifications of the deputy governor.

Mr Mugo also wants the EACC to investigate the right of the county executive for Trade, Tourism and Culture to hold a state office, alleging that he is a dual citizen.

According to Mr Mugo, the deputy governor presented his academic documents to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) but there has been a lot of public anxiety among the public, raising doubts about his qualifications.

AUTHENTICATE DOCUMENTS

“There is also need to demand from the Commission for Higher Education to give a comprehensive report on the authenticity of the said academic documents,” said Mr Mugo.

Mr Wamathai profile, according to the Nyeri County website, shows that he holds a degree in Air and Space Law from MC GILL University Graduate Law School, Advanced Certificate in Air Transport Management, Economics and Strategic Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Law, Economics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi.

Mr Mugo is further accusing Mr Miano, the Tourism executive, of holding a state office illegally.

According to Mr Mugo, the executive holds dual citizenship, being both a citizen of the United States of America and a Kenya.

He said the Constitution prohibits a state officer from holding dual citizenship.

Article 78 of the Constitution prohibits a person elected or appointed as a state officer from holding dual citizenship.

When contacted, Mr Miano said he had not seen the contents of the letter written to EACC and was, therefore, not in a position to respond.