DPP Drops Charges Against Ex-Merishaw School Principal, Hall Operator Over Alleged 2025 KCSE Malpractice
News Updated: 30 June 2026 15:31 EAT
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Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has withdrawn criminal charges against former Merishaw School principal David Gideon Kariuki and examination hall operator Alex Kasaine Kataiyo over alleged malpractice during the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, citing insufficient evidence to sustain the case.
The decision was made when the matter came up before the Milimani Chief Magistrate's Court on Monday, bringing to an end months of investigations and prosecutorial review into allegations of examination irregularities at the Kajiado-based school.
Kariuki and Kasaine had first appeared in court in May 2026 but did not take plea after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) requested additional time to review the evidence gathered by investigators. The prosecution informed the court that it needed 60 days to determine whether the case met the legal threshold for prosecution.
The two had been accused of unlawfully disclosing the contents of a KCSE examination paper to candidates during the 2025 national examinations and conspiring to commit a felony. The allegations related to the administration of English Paper One at Merishaw School in Isinya Sub-County, Kajiado County.
According to the initial charge sheet, investigators alleged that examination materials were unlawfully accessed and shared with candidates during the examination on November 3, 2025, contrary to provisions of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Act.
Prosecutors also alleged that the two conspired with other individuals who were not before the court to interfere with the school's CCTV surveillance system in an attempt to facilitate examination malpractice.
During the initial court proceedings, the prosecution did not oppose their release on bond as investigations and the evidentiary review continued. Chief Magistrate Daisy Mutai released the two on personal bonds pending the DPP's final decision.
The defence maintained throughout the proceedings that both men had cooperated fully with investigators. Lawyers for Kariuki told the court he was a veteran educationist and former principal of Alliance High School, while Kasaine had consistently honoured summons issued by investigators.
Following the review, DPP Renson Ingonga determined that the evidence available did not meet the evidentiary threshold required to sustain criminal proceedings. The prosecution consequently applied to withdraw the charges against both accused persons, a request that was allowed by the court.
The withdrawal means Kariuki and Kasaine will not face trial over the alleged KCSE examination malpractice unless fresh evidence emerges that would justify reopening the case under Kenyan law.
The case had attracted significant public attention because it involved alleged irregularities in the administration of the 2025 KCSE examinations, one of Kenya's most important national assessments. Authorities have repeatedly stated that safeguarding the integrity of national examinations remains a priority in protecting the credibility of the country's education system.
The ODPP has not indicated that any other individuals will be prosecuted in connection with the Merishaw School investigations, and the withdrawal closes the proceedings against Kariuki and Kasaine based on the current evidence available.
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FELIX MAKONA
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