Juja MP George Koimburi. Photo/Newsflash
By Georgina Mwikali
Juja MP George Koimburi on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, denied forgery accusations against him.
Koimburi appeared before the Kiambu Law Courts, where he pleaded not guilty to six counts of forgery and presenting false documents.
The legislator, who has served since 2021, stands accused of falsifying crucial documents, including a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate dating back to 1994, and two certificates from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
The case has stirred controversy not only due to the serious nature of the charges but also because of the timing—coming just after Koimburi’s vocal criticisms of the government’s handling of the African Union Commission (AUC) elections.
Charges
The prosecution alleges that between November and December 1994, Koimburi forged a KCSE certificate, passing it off as an authentic document issued by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
The case also includes accusations that he forged two certificates from JKUAT: one for participation in the East African Universities Accession Project and another for academic excellence from the School of Human Resource Development.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Everlyn Onunga outlined that the MP knowingly presented these forged certificates to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on March 8, 2021, while falsely claiming them as genuine documents. “He presented these fraudulent certificates with the intent to deceive the EACC and enhance his credentials,” Onunga told the court.
Political overtones
Koimburi’s legal woes come at a time when Kenya’s political tensions are at a boiling point. Known for his close ties to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Koimburi has become a staunch critic of President William Ruto’s administration.
His arrest follows scathing remarks about the government’s alleged Ksh13 billion expenditure in support of Raila Odinga’s failed AUC bid. His lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, has strongly rejected the charges, claiming they are politically motivated. “The charges are a clear attempt to silence a strong voice of opposition,” Njiru stated, adding that Koimburi’s arrest is directly linked to his outspoken criticism.
Koimburi was released on a Ksh200,000 cash bail. The next hearing, set for February 20, will determine whether additional charges for skipping previous court sessions will be added to the case.
