Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) is  investigating suspected public officials who used forged academic certificates to secure positions in government.

In a statement Monday, July 11,  EACC Chief Executive Officer (EACC) Twalib Mbarak indicated that his agency would seek to recover salaries earned on fake academic qualifications.

"Forgery of academic certificates has become prevalent in the public service. This is not only a crime but also a violation of Chapter 6 of the Constitution, " he said in a Tweet.

The announcement comes weeks after the anti-graft body vowed to  recover monies and assets in future from those who used forged academic certificates to ascend to elective positions.

EACC has flagged a total of 241 politicians seeking elective seats in the August 9 elections as unfit to vie for public office, some of whom have been cleared by the electoral commission (IEBC) while others have pending court cases awaiting determination.

In the last five years, EACC has finalized investigations and submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions 890 reports containing various recommendations.

While marking the Anti-graft day, the agency  denied claims by a section of politicians accusing it of being selective in its war against corruption in the country.

In a response, the  commission said to have undertaken its work with objectivity and impartiality with no regard to anyone’s political or other affiliations.

“Is it true that EACC targets ‘small fish’? No! EACC investigates all cases whether ‘petty’ or ‘grand’. This is reflected in the high-profile investigations undertaken and persons from whom recoveries have been made” EACC said

The agency has also been calling for the establishment of a central repository to verify academic certificates to curb widespread cases of fake degrees.

It proposed to universities and other higher learning institutions to consider the use of innovative technology that will enable them secure integrity of academic certificates through security Quick Response (QR) codes among others.

The QR code will be integrated to secure degree certificates and transcripts that can easily be verified with smart phones and other electronic gadgets.