The National Police Service (NPS) is examining a video in which nominated Senator Karen Nyamu recounts helping a political supporter use a forged Form Four certificate in an attempt to join the police service.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the NPS said it had come across the video in which a senior nominated politician claimed to have known a supporter who used a fake academic certificate to secure recruitment as a police constable.
Although the statement did not name Nyamu directly, it addressed the remarks captured in the video, describing them as regrettable and unacceptable, particularly because they came from a lawmaker and legal counsel.
“The sentiments expressed in the video are both regrettable and unacceptable, particularly as they come from a lawmaker and legal counsel,” the police service said.
The NPS noted that the case was among several instances of suspected academic document fraud detected at the police training college, resulting in the expulsion of the recruits involved.
What Karen Nyamu Said About the Forged Certificate
Nyamu made the remarks during an interview with Radio Generation on Friday, October 23, while discussing the challenges facing young people who lack secondary school qualifications.
The senator recounted how, after an unsuccessful political bid in 2017, she sought to help members of her campaign team secure employment opportunities.
She said many of her supporters came from informal settlements and could not apply for advertised jobs because they lacked Form Four certificates.
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Nyamu then described an incident involving a loyal campaign supporter who wanted to join the National Police Service but did not possess the required academic qualification.
“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 years na hawana Form Four cert. Tukakarabati (we forged) a Form Four certificate, because I had this chance and I really had to give back,” Nyamu said during the interview.
She explained that the recruit proceeded to Kiganjo Police Training College before investigations into academic documents exposed the alleged forgery.
According to Nyamu, the supporter later contacted her from a police station after the fraudulent documents were discovered.
She added that approximately 18 recruits who had presented fake academic papers were removed from the training programme.
Police Defend Recruitment Verification Procedures
In its statement, the NPS maintained that it treats recruitment with the utmost seriousness and employs strict verification procedures to prevent dishonest attempts to secure employment.
“Any dishonest attempts, including the use of fake documents, cannot succeed,” the service said.
The police service added that it would continue to discharge its employment responsibilities professionally and in accordance with the law.
It also cited Article 245(4)(c) of the Constitution of Kenya and a recent Court of Appeal decision, Civil Appeal No. E971 & E957 of 2025, in defending its commitment to thorough, accountable and transparent recruitment.
The statement was signed by Muchiri Nyaga, Director of Corporate Communication and spokesperson for the National Police Service.
Questions Over Political Influence in Public Recruitment
Nyamu’s account has raised questions about the use of political connections to secure public-sector employment and the responsibility of leaders when supporters fail to meet the established recruitment requirements.
While the senator presented the incident in the context of wanting to reward loyal campaigners and help young people access employment, her account described an attempt to bypass academic requirements through falsified documentation.
The circumstances surrounding the reported recruitment irregularities, including any further action by investigative authorities, remain subject to official clarification.
The development comes as public institutions continue to emphasise the importance of authentic academic credentials and fair recruitment processes in public service.
