Detectives Grill Chuka University Vice-Chancellor Over Fake Academic Papers

Chuka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Erastus Njoka is under investigation for allegedly falsifying his academic documents.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) opened a probe into the matter after receiving a complaint. On Wednesday, Prof. Njoka recorded a statement at the EACC’s Upper Eastern offices in Isiolo following summons dated August 2nd.

The investigation is in relation to the degree certificates the scholar acquired from the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia based in Moscow. They include a post-graduate diploma in research, a master's degree in animal production, and a doctorate in animal production (majoring in special zootechnics).

Prof. Njoka served as a dean at Egerton University's Faculty of Agriculture before he took over as the director of the institution’s Eastern campus in 2005.

In 2008, he was appointed the principal of Chuka University College and served until 2013 when the institution was granted a charter and was named its vice-chancellor.

Prof. Njoka was also questioned on the legitimacy of all his academic certificates from high school to his latest academic qualification.

George Ojowi, the head of EACC Upper Eastern region said, "We have recorded his statement in regard to the authenticity of the papers and he has provided us with the documents we needed. We will analyze the information and prepare a report that will be forwarded to DPP for action.”

On his part, Prof. Njoka insisted that his documents are genuine, terming the probe as a scheme by his political enemies, who are against his bid for the Tharaka Nithi governor's seat.

"I am from a village and my people know what I got in Form Four and Six and I am not from heaven. I have studied in university for 10 years and supervised many doctorate and masters students. I am a father of degrees," he noted.