10 teachers caught photocopying KCSE exams in Homa Bay freed on Sh2 million bond
By Lucy Mumbi |
Ten teachers from Pala Masogo Secondary School who were arrested for photocopying a Chemistry Paper from the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams have been released on Sh2 million bond each, with a surety of the same amount or a cash bail option of Sh1 million.
The teachers, identified as Felix Odhiambo, Elijah Otieno, Felix Asero Abwao, Seth Polo, Collins Omondi, Jeremiah Otieno Ogul, George Ochieng Oloo, George Otieno, Maxwel Migimo, and Brenda Yonge, were taken into custody over alleged exam malpractice and were brought before Senior Resident Magistrate Christine Auka in Homa Bay.
Keep reading
Court records reveal that the teachers were allegedly found in possession of photocopies of the Chemistry Paper 2 exam on November 4 at Pala Masogo Secondary.
However, the teachers denied all charges.
Additionally, two of the suspects faced further accusations under the second count for possessing unauthorised examination materials.
Eight of the teachers were also charged with misuse of examination materials, in violation of the Kenya National Examination Council Act.
The court has scheduled a mention of the case for November 20, when the prosecution is expected to present its evidence.
Disciplinary action
The release of the teachers comes even as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) vows to take disciplinary action against teachers allegedly involved in malpractice in the ongoing national exams.
The Commission has pledged severe penalties for any teachers found guilty, emphasising that its top priority is safeguarding the safety and integrity of the exams.
“We’ve replaced the centre manager, supervisors, and all the invigilators suspected to be involved in that incident. The centre is now secured, and exams are running smoothly. However, this will be subject to the findings of the ongoing investigation. If found guilty, the commission will take appropriate disciplinary actions. Our topmost priority is to guarantee safety and integrity measures in our national examinations,” TSC said.
On Monday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba reiterated that the government had put in place several measures to ensure that examination malpractice does not reoccur in this year’s nationwide examinations.
He warned those caught cheating of severe consequences and outlined ways that the government is planning to use to curb this vice in schools across the country.
“Any person, therefore, found compromising the integrity of the examination will be dealt with within the law, and appropriate legal action will be taken if they are found in any examination malpractices,” he said.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
