- COFEK has called on CUE and the DCI to investigate the academic qualifications of Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa.
- The appeal follows the MP’s announcement that he is set to graduate with a PhD from Murang’a University of Technology.
- The matter has generated public debate over the verification of academic qualifications.
The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has called on the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the academic qualifications of Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa.
COFEK Secretary-General Stephen Mutoro urged the two institutions to verify the credibility of the MP’s academic credentials following public debate surrounding his announced graduation with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration from Murang’a University of Technology.
The appeal also references previous allegations relating to the authenticity of some of the MP’s academic qualifications.
Graduation announcement sparks debate
The controversy arose after the MP announced that he would graduate from Murang’a University of Technology, saying he would receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and describing himself as the most educated politician in Bungoma County.
“I heard someone say that I didn’t go to school. That I stole someone’s certificate. I’m the most learned MP in Bungoma County. I have two undergraduate degrees and two Masters. I completed my PhD and I will graduate with a doctorate next month,” Barasa said.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati later questioned the MP’s academic claims.
“Someone told me that Didmus can tell you so many things, but the only truth will be his name. So when he talks about a PhD, I just look at him and laugh,” Wangamati said.
On June 16, 2026, Barasa also shared what he described as a graduation confirmation letter from Murang’a University of Technology, signed by Prof. Geoffrey Muchiri.
The letter stated in part: “Following successful completion of field work and thesis defense of your work entitled Branding Strategies by County Governments on Service Delivery among Small and Medium Enterprises in Bungoma County, Kenya under the supervision of Dr. Nancy Muthoni and Dr. Alice Omariba, you have fulfilled the requirements for the award of a Doctorate in Public Administration from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of Murang’a University of Technology. The degree will be conferred at the next graduation ceremony to be held later in 2026.”
COFEK seeks investigations
Mutoro alleged that questions surrounding the MP’s earlier academic qualifications warranted investigation by the relevant authorities.
“This is a fake and financially transmitted degree. The Commission for University Education should reprimand Murang’a University over this development. How does someone with no known education graduate with a PhD from a public university? The DCI should investigate this matter,” Mutoro said.
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In 2024, Barasa received a doctorate from Northwestern Christian University. The Commission for University Education later stated that the institution was not accredited to operate in Kenya.
The Commission and investigative agencies are yet to publicly respond to COFEK’s latest request for investigations.
By Ochola Victor
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