University student in court for possession of other people’s identity cards

A 22-year-old university student was charged before a Nairobi Chief Magistrate’s court with publishing false information and unlawfully possessing multiple national identity cards belonging to other people.

Chrispinus Nassiuma Nambafu, a Meru University student, appeared before Principal Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi, where he denied all four counts leveled against him.

In the first count, Nambafu is accused of publishing false and misleading information contrary to Section 22(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.

The court heard that between 2022 and October 11, 2025, the accused allegedly shared fake Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers on a WhatsApp forum named “Teachers KNEC Exams 2025”.

He reportedly claimed to have genuine examination materials from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) with the intent to mislead the public and fraudulently obtain money.

In the other three counts, Nambafu is accused of unlawful possession of identity cards belonging to different individuals Lucy Muthoni Kimencu, Bosco Kioko Wambua, and Doris Kathini Kimencu contrary to Section 14(1) of the Registration of Persons Act, Cap 107 Laws of Kenya.

The court was told that he was found with the documents on October 11, 2025, at Kianjai area in Tigania West Sub-County, Meru County, without lawful authority.

Through his lawyer, Nambafu pleaded for lenient bond and bail terms, saying he is a 22-year-old student at Meru University who was set to graduate but could not due to his arrest and detention.

His counsel further told the court that the accused has no source of income, his family is struggling financially, and he has been fully cooperating with investigators.

The defense also claimed that the online publication by investigating officers had tarnished Nambafu’s reputation and urged that it be taken down.

The prosecution did not oppose the application for bail or bond.

Magistrate Ekhubi granted the accused a cash bail of Sh100,000 and an alternative bond of Sh200,000 with two contact persons.

The matter will be mentioned on November 18, 2025 for pre-trial directions.