The graduation ceremony at Northwestern Christian University in Mombasa County came to an abrupt halt when investigative officers stormed the venue, shutting it down over allegations of operating without registration and issuing fake degree certificates.
In a dramatic turn of events, over 100 hopeful graduates were arrested and taken to Nyali Police Station to record statements.
The group was escorted to waiting police vehicles, and taken to Nyali Police Station for questioning by DCI detectives.
“They did not have certificates, and that is why we had to stop this because there are many institutions, and Kenyans are unaware,” Commission for University Education (CUE) chairman Chacha Nyaigotti said.
According to the Commission for University Education, Northwestern Christian University is not registered and has no authority to issue certificates in the country.
This scandal comes just two months after Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi received an honorary degree from the same institution. Yet, no action was taken apart from declaring the university unregistered, raising questions about double standards.
“We want to tell Kenyans to be careful,” Chacha added.
The event descended into chaos and shock after police officers stormed the graduation venue, surrounding it with chilling precision.
“I want to declare this a crime scene, and anybody in a gown should remain seated until we finish all our processes,” said the officers.
Their families watched in disbelief, celebrations turning to tears.
Some turned to prayer, clinging to hope as the scene unfolded.
Authorities say they had enough evidence to conclude that the ceremony was compromised, that these documents were nothing more than pieces of paper from an unregistered institution.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned on Monday.
Meanwhile, a broader crackdown is being planned on institutions suspected of issuing fake certificates.
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