Mvita lawmaker Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir’s quest to succeed Governor Hassan Joho has been rocked by questions regarding the authenticity of his university degree.

Two challengers, businessman Suleiman Shahbal and Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo cast doubt on his qualifications, claiming he did not even hold a bachelor’s degree, even though “he now claims to be pursuing a masters degree.”

“The other day I watched a video clip of this guy lying to school children that he has completed his first degree and now he is pursuing his masters which is untrue. You cannot be a governor without a university degree. This guy from Mvita is lying to us. First, he should tell us where he studied for his degree,” Mbogo said.

He cautioned residents to be wary of “political conmen” who are out to delude them by “faking their way” to leadership.

“We don’t want political conmen. If you are a leader, you should first fear and respect God and tell your people the truth. If you have not achieved the required qualifications, it remains so and you do not need to force it,” Mbogo stated.

The Kisauni legislator warned local universities against issuing degree certificates unprocedural.
Mbogo alleged that he is aware of plans by Nassir to secure a degree certificate from “either Mount Kenya University or the Technical University of Mombasa through back door.”

“We are warning our local universities. We are aware that this Mvita guy has approached Mount Kenya University and he has not yet finished studying,” he said.

Nassir could not be reached for comment, as he said he was in Parliament yesterday. He could neither pick up our calls nor reply to text messages.