In a week that has seen lots of political debate on the streets and online, the biggest topic of discussion centered around the authenticity of academic papers of our leaders. As the nation prepares itself for elections, talk turned to the requirements aspirants must fulfill to secure their names on ballot papers.
Hassan Ali Joho found himself at the center of controversy, as his past dealings caught up with him. Governor of Mombasa, Honorable Joho found himself in a less than honorable position as it came to light that he had forged his academic secondary examination transcripts to gain entry into university. Apparently, the “King of the Coast” altered his D grade into a C+ grade to secure his place an institution of higher learning. The allegations saw Joho put under investigations in a very public debacle, as detectives took handwriting and signature specimens to ascertain the validity of the academic papers.
Needless to say, K.O.T was quick to fan the flames as investigations were underway. Under the hashtags #JohoGrilling and #JohoCertificates a variety of tweets ranged from support for the Governor to witty remarks at the Governor’s attempt to restore his name. According to Standard Media, “The fate of Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho now lies with the verdict forgery experts who took samples of his handwriting and signature Wednesday will return.”
I got an E in Biology but I still digest my own food. #JohoCertificates
— Benjamin Kihara (@Ben_JiKihara) March 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/SirJoe_254/status/847486412366794752
On the same note, President Uhuru Kenyatta also found his academic qualifications under scrutiny. The 4th President of the Kenyan Republic had to give in to demands for high proof of his academic achievements. In a test of wills, Governor Joho pressured Kenya’s Commander in Chief to provide proof of his academic papers. President Kenyatta’s alma mater Amherst College came to the rescue, all while images of his graduation surfaced on social media.
Thanks for your question. Uhuru Kenyatta graduated from Amherst Colleg in 1985 with a degree in economics & political science.
— Amherst College (@AmherstCollege) March 30, 2017
True to form, the keyboard army K.O.T were quick to comment on the matter. However, it was noted that some of the most outspoken policy makers remained silent about the matter that was on the minds of students, teachers and politicians alike.
*Fact:* Uhuru graduated Amherst *Fact:* Joho earned D- in KCSE *Under Investigation:* Joho's forged results slip showing C+ #JohoGrilling pic.twitter.com/rFiUQSZwTZ
— Kamúthúngú (@kamuthungu) March 31, 2017
As the election period draws near, the question Kenyans are asking themselves is if academic transcripts are necessary for aspirants to run for public office.
When your going through #JohoGrilling but you know your certificate is fake too pic.twitter.com/X8WmCvSy01
— RENEGADE 🇰🇪 (@Mwendwa_R) March 29, 2017
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
[poll id=”16″]