How DCI Tracked and Arrested Suspect in Fake KCSE Papers Scam

A 22-year-old university graduate has been arrested for allegedly operating an online syndicate involved in the sale of fake Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers.

Chrispinus Nandafu Naisuma was taken into custody on 12 October at his residence near Meru University, where he had recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and physics. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), posing as potential tenants, gained access to his premises and arrested him without incident.

Naisuma was presented before Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina at the Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday but did not take a plea. Investigators requested additional time to finalise forensic examinations. He was released on a cash bail of Sh50,000, with the court noting that he had been cooperative with authorities.

According to preliminary findings, Naisuma is believed to have played a central role in a digital network that sold counterfeit exam papers to teachers and parents. He allegedly ran a WhatsApp group named “Teachers KNEC Exam 2025”, which had grown to more than 1,000 members by mid-2025. 

The group is reported to have been active for close to two years, distributing fake papers at prices ranging from Sh100 to Sh1,000. During the operation, detectives recovered 34 SIM cards linked to various mobile service providers, as well as eight national identity cards, some reportedly belonging to his relatives. 

These items are believed to have been used to conceal his identity and avoid detection. The DCI Cybercrime Unit, Communications Authority of Kenya, National Registration Bureau, and major telecom companies are conducting forensic analyses to establish links to the wider network.

Originally from Bungoma County, Naisuma enrolled at Meru University in September 2021 with support from a maternal uncle. Police reports indicate that he had not returned home since starting his studies. His arrest occurred just days before he was due to graduate.