The National Police Service (NPS) is investigating a video in which nominated Senator Karen Nyamu admits to helping forge a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate for a political supporter seeking to join the police service.
In a press statement dated October 24, 2026, the NPS said it had come across a video in which a senior nominated politician acknowledged being aware of a supporter who used a fake academic certificate in an attempt to secure recruitment as a police constable.
The service described the remarks as regrettable and unacceptable, particularly because they were made by a lawmaker and legal counsel.
The statement comes after Nyamu recounted how she attempted to help a staunch campaigner join the police service despite the individual lacking a Form Four certificate.
Nyamu said the incident occurred after her unsuccessful political bid in 2017, when she was subsequently appointed a director at Nairobi Water.
She explained that she had wanted to help members of her campaign team, many of whom came from informal settlements, secure employment opportunities.
“I can even tell you of a recent case where I tried to help someone get into the police force, a very staunch campaigner of mine; they are even known. They were, I think, 28, 29, na hawana Form Four cert. Tukakarabati (we forged) a Form Four certificate, because I had this chance and I really had to give back,” she said.
The senator further claimed that the individual proceeded to Kiganjo Police Training College before investigations into academic qualifications exposed the use of forged documents.
“Do you know walienda Kiganjo for training, kidogo kidogo, kumbe investigations are usually done, we didn’t know, do you know alinipigia simu akiwa police station,” she recounted.
Nyamu added that the recruit was among approximately 18 trainees who were removed from the training programme after the use of fake academic documents was discovered.
“And the way everyone was happy…but so and so walishikwa because of forgery. Wote ambao walikua na fake papers wakatolewa, they were about 18,” she said.
According to the NPS, the case was among several others flagged at the training college, leading to the expulsion of the recruits involved.
The service said it applies strict verification procedures during recruitment and warned that attempts to secure employment through forged documents would not succeed.
“The NPS will continue to discharge its employment obligations stringently, professionally and within the law,” the statement said, adding that recruitment processes must remain thorough, accountable and transparent.
The service also cited Article 245(4)(c) of the Constitution of Kenya and a recent Court of Appeal decision in Civil Appeal Nos. E971 and E957 of 2025 in reaffirming its commitment to lawful and transparent recruitment.
Nyamu's remarks have drawn attention to the integrity of police recruitment and the risks associated with using political connections to secure public employment.
The NPS statement did not announce any specific action against the senator in connection with the admission.
