NAIROBI, KENYA – Authorities have arrested five individuals from Rachar Secondary School in connection with an alleged coordinated examination cheating scheme that compromised the integrity of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
The suspects include Âą:
- Patrick Omondi, School Principal and Centre Manager
- Victor Amollo, Centre Supervisor
- Paul Akumba, Invigilator
- Faith Odhiambo, School Secretary
- Milicent Awino Oluoch, School Cook
The arrests followed irregularities detected on the second day of national examinations. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are treating the case as a serious breach of examination security.
According to authorities, the suspects used their positions to orchestrate a complex operation involving premature access to examination materials and distribution of answers to candidates through digital platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The involvement of non-teaching staff suggests an elaborate, whole-school operation.
Candidates at Rachar Secondary School have been allowed to continue with their examinations as investigations proceed. However, the scandal raises questions about the validity of results from the affected examination center.
KNEC has implemented security measures, including special paper and watermarks, but internal collusion remains a significant vulnerability. KNEC has urged examination centers to remain vigilant and adhere to protocols to prevent similar incidents ².
