Former Merishaw School principal David Gideon Kariuki and the institution’s examination hall operator Alex Kasaine Kataiyo on Tuesday May 26, appeared before a Nairobi court over alleged malpractice linked to the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
The two were presented before Milimani Chief Magistrate Daisy Mutai but did not enter a plea after the prosecution requested more time to review the charges.
State counsel informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, was reassessing the case and sought a 60-day adjournment to determine whether a plea bargain would be pursued or the charges withdrawn altogether.
“The DPP is reviewing the charges against the accused persons. We therefore seek 60 days to update the court on the plea bargain agreement and whether the charges will proceed,” the prosecution submitted.
Kariuki and Kataiyo are facing two counts — unlawfully disclosing examination content to candidates and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Despite the pending review, the prosecution did not oppose their release on bond.
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In their application for bail, the defence argued that both accused persons had cooperated fully with investigators since inquiries into the alleged examination irregularities began last year.
The defence noted that Kariuki is a veteran educationist and former principal of Alliance High School, while Kataiyo’s place of work is well known to authorities. They also assured the court that the two had consistently honoured summons issued by DCI officers and would continue attending court when required.
Magistrate Mutai postponed plea taking to June 30, 2026, and released each accused on a personal bond of Ksh100,000, backed by one contact person.
“In view that the DPP is reviewing charges against the accused persons, I defer plea taking to June 30, 2026. The accused persons are released on a bond of Ksh100,000 each with one contact person,” ruled the magistrate.
According to the charge sheet, the two allegedly disclosed KCSE examination material to candidates at Merishaw School in Isinya Sub-County, Kajiado County, during the 2025 national examinations.
Investigators claim that on November 3, 2025, Kariuki and Kataiyo, together with others not before court, unlawfully shared contents of the English Paper One examination with candidates during the test.
The matter will be mentioned again on June 30, 2026.
by Our reporter
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