Kisumu MCA arrested for forging University degree

EACC detectives escort Manyatta B MCA Pamella Odhiambo to Kisumu Central Police Station on January 30, 2019. [Denish Ochieng/Standard]

A member of the Kisumu County Assembly has been arrested for allegedly forging a university degree.

Pamela Odhiambo, who represents Manyatta B ward, was alleged to have used the fake document to seek clearance to contest the seat in 2017.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives picked her up at around 1pm yesterday and took her to their officers for questioning.

According to Aura Chibole, the EACC deputy director for Western Kenya Region, the commission has been investigating the matter for several months.

He alleged that the suspect forged a KCA University degree and was assisted by another suspect who was still at large.

“The suspect forged completion of a university programme at KCA University and presented the same to authorities before the 2017 elections,” said Mr Chibole.

The detective said the suspects would be charged in Kakamega with forgery.

A number of people had turned up to watch the MCA’s arrest. The commission said this was what had informed its decision to charge her in Kakamega and not Kisumu.

Elsewhere, Kabazi MCA Peter Mbae was arrested in connection with destruction of property owned by Patel Farm in Solai, Nakuru County.

According to Rift Valley Coordinator Mongo Chimwanga, Mr Mbae instigated violence at Solai trading centre that led to alleged malicious damage to property.

A meeting the MCA organised together with Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) for victims of the May 9, 2018, Solai Dam tragedy was disrupted by police on claims that it was illegal.

The victims, who had gathered at a local school to consult with their lawyers and the commission, were looking for ways to get compensation from the owners of Patel Farm.

Mr Chimwanga told The Standard yesterday that the meeting was illegal since the security authorities had not been notified about it.

“He (MCA) will be charged with malicious damage to property,” he said, adding that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations was handling the case.

Earlier in the day, the residents engaged the police in running battles that lasted for two hours.

Tear gas canisters were lobbed at the residents, KHRC Director George Kegoro, the lawyers and MCA, who scampered for safety.

The residents barricaded the nearby Bahati-Solai road for nearly one hour as they protested at the cancellation of the meeting.

Rongai Deputy County Commissioner Julius Kavita had banned the meeting, terming it a security threat.

Learning at the nearby Solai Nyakinyua Primary School was disrupted as police engaged residents in running battles.

In May 2018, the dam burst and killed 48 people.