A public servant attached to the Ministry of Transport, Richard Zenda Kirui Bongei, has been charged before a Nairobi court for allegedly forging an official government letter in the name of Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen. The forged letter was reportedly intended to influence employment matters at the Public Service Commission (PSC).
Bongei appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Dolphina Alego, where he denied multiple counts of forgery, conspiracy, and uttering a false document.
Forged Letter Presented as Written by CS Murkomen
According to the charge sheet, Richard Zenda Kirui Bongei is accused of forging a letter referenced 2010002101/35, dated May 6, 2024, and addressed to the Chairman of the Public Service Commission.
The letter, titled “Renewal of Local Agreement Terms,” was allegedly made to appear as though it had been authored, signed, and executed by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
Prosecutors told the court that Bongei intentionally produced the document to deceive PSC officials into believing it was an official communication from the Interior Ministry regarding employment terms.
Accused Also Faces Charges of Uttering a False Document
Beyond forgery, Bongei is further charged with making the false letter without lawful authority and uttering the fraudulent document to PSC officials. He is also accused of conspiracy to commit forgery, suggesting the existence of other accomplices who are yet to be brought before court.
The prosecution stated that the acts were committed on unknown dates and locations within the Republic of Kenya, indicating an ongoing investigation into the broader scheme behind the forged correspondence.
Bond Terms Granted After Denial of Charges
Upon denying all charges, Chief Magistrate Alego granted Bongei a Sh300,000 bond with an alternative cash bail of Sh150,000, allowing him temporary release as the case proceeds through the legal system.
The magistrate also directed the prosecution to supply the defence with all relevant documents and evidence to ensure fair trial proceedings.
Forgery of Government Documents on the Rise
The case highlights a growing concern over the misuse of official letterheads and government seals to influence public service decisions. In recent months, various agencies—including the PSC, the Ministry of Interior, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations—have flagged multiple incidents involving forged appointment letters, transfer directives, and employment approvals.
Legal experts warn that such forgeries undermine public trust and constitute serious offences under the Penal Code, attracting heavy penalties, including imprisonment.
Next Court Mention
The matter will be mentioned on a later date for a pre-trial conference as investigators continue to review digital footprints and handwriting analyses associated with the forged document.