Nyamira Senator Kennedy Okongo has challenged Education Minister Prof Jacob Kaimenyi to step aside from the ministry over the rampant cheating cases in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
Speaking on Sunday in Nyamira town, the senator said Prof Kaimenyi should step aside since he has failed to prevent exam irregularities.
Okong'o said it is embarrassing to have Prof Kaimenyi continue discharging his duties yet exam malpractices were evident.
He also challenged the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) officials to also resign, claiming that they have also failed to carry out their mandate in a professional manner.
“When Kaimenyi (Prof) got to the Ministry of Education, the education sector begun failing. To prevent this he should step aside so that a more responsible person can take charge,” said Okong’o.
He added: “KNEC officials should also resign, how comes students have exam questions before they sit for the papers? That shows we have 'weak' people in KNEC and education sector in Kenya is losing dignity”.
His sentiments were echoed by Nyamira County Women Representative Alice Chae.
Last week, KCSE exam questions were circulating on social media and were the same questions in Mathematics and Physics practical exam papers the candidates sat for.
Prof Kaimenyi and KNEC chief executive officer Dr Joseph Kivuli have however disputed claims of exam cheating.