By: Cyrus Kimanga
Court releases two suspects linked to a sophisticated fake KCSE results on a Ksh70,000 cash bail pending further investigations.
The two intended suspects, David Opiyo Odhiambo and Albert Kerry Nyadianga appeared before Milimani Law Court chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina where the state asked the Court to grant then 14 days detention order.
That not withstanding, the court declined the application, ruling that the prosecution had failed to demonstrate compelling reasons to justify continued detention. The magistrate held that releasing the suspects would not interfere with ongoing investigations.
The magistrate noted that it was not disputed that the suspects were arrested at their respective residences and that the State had not clarified the exact time of their arrest. He further observed that the defence’s claim that the suspects had been held beyond the constitutionally permitted 24-hour period had not been challenged.
It was the Court’s finding that the application does not disclose when the two respondents were arrested, and the allegation by the defence that they were held in police custody beyond the 24-hour period provided for under the Constitution is not disputed.
The court stated, adding that there was no basis to deny the suspects bail under Section 36A of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The court ordered that the two be released on cash bail on condition that they remain available and fully cooperate with investigators during normal working hours.
The ruling follows an application by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who had sought to hold the suspects at Muthaiga Police Station for an additional two weeks as they probed their alleged involvement in circulating fake KCSE 2025 result slips on social media.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Opiyo, who is described as the mastermind of the operation, is a primary school teacher and runs an online group with about 45,200 members misleadingly branded “KCSE 2025 Grade Upgrading.” Investigators say he is also active in several other online forums associated with examination manipulation, including KNEC Legit Papers and Upgrading, Group Booster Support, KNEC/KASNEB/ICM/CDA, and KNEC Grade Editing.
The suspects were arrested following a coordinated operation by detectives from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). Nyadianga was arrested in Kisumu, while Opiyo was apprehended in Ongata Rongai.
A search of their mobile phones reportedly revealed images of fake KCSE result slips and other examination-related material, further implicating them in the alleged scheme.
The case is scheduled for mention on February 2, 2026.
