Director General of Immigration Services Evelyn Cheluget is facing mounting pressure following an explosive undercover investigation by KTN News that exposed an alleged network enabling foreign nationals to acquire genuine Kenyan identity documents through fraud, bribery and manipulation of government records.
The investigation, dubbed Auctioning Our Identity, alleges that foreigners from Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda have been obtaining Kenyan national identity cards, passports and birth certificates through brokers and corrupt insiders, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of systems under Cheluget’s watch.
Evelyn Cheluget faces questions over integrity of immigration systems
At the centre of the controversy is the Department of Immigration Services led by Evelyn Cheluget, whose office is responsible for safeguarding the integrity of Kenyan passports and citizenship records.
Immigration DK Evelyn Cheluget during a past event. PHOTO/Evelyn Cheluget/Facebook
The KTN investigation documented cases where individuals allegedly born outside Kenya successfully acquired authentic Kenyan identification documents after altering key personal details, including dates and places of birth.
The revelations have prompted critics to ask how such changes were processed and approved without detection.
Evelyn Cheluget under pressure over alleged loopholes in identity verification
One of the most alarming findings in the investigation was the alleged use of “parents for hire” schemes, where Kenyan citizens reportedly receive payment to falsely present themselves as parents of foreign applicants.
According to the report, syndicates have exploited weaknesses in identity verification procedures to help foreigners acquire documents reserved for Kenyan citizens.
Critics argue that such practices point to significant weaknesses in oversight mechanisms within agencies responsible for registration and immigration services.
Immigration DK Evelyn Cheluget during a past event. PHOTO/Evelyn Cheluget/Facebook
Evelyn Cheluget challenged over allegations of document brokers operating openly
KTN reporters encountered brokers who allegedly claimed they could facilitate acquisition of Kenyan identity documents for as little as Sh15,000.
The investigation suggested that document fraud networks are operating with remarkable confidence, raising questions about enforcement efforts against corruption within registration systems.
Analysts say the existence of such networks damages public confidence in institutions tasked with protecting Kenyan citizenship records.
Evelyn Cheluget’s department faces scrutiny over foreign-linked passport allegations
The report also highlighted allegations involving controversial foreign figures who were allegedly linked to Kenyan travel documents.
Among those mentioned was a Sudanese Rapid Support Forces commander facing international sanctions and a Zimbabwean businessman previously linked to corruption controversies.
While the allegations remain subject to verification and investigation, the claims have intensified calls for a comprehensive audit of passport issuance records.
Evelyn Cheluget yet to publicly address allegations raised by KTN
KTN reported that it submitted detailed questions to both the Department of Immigration Services and the National Registration Bureau before publication.
According to the broadcaster, no responses had been received before the investigation aired.
The absence of an official response has fuelled public criticism and demands for accountability from immigration authorities.
Evelyn Cheluget faces calls for independent audit ahead of 2027 elections
Security experts interviewed during the investigation warned that fraudulent identity documents could have far-reaching consequences for national security and electoral integrity.
Concerns have been raised that individuals who illegally acquire Kenyan IDs could register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election if irregular documents remain undetected.
The allegations have prompted growing calls for an independent audit of identity card, birth certificate and passport records to determine the scale of the problem.
Evelyn Cheluget now faces a defining test
For Evelyn Cheluget, the controversy presents one of the most significant challenges of her tenure as Director General of Immigration Services.
With questions mounting over the integrity of Kenya’s citizenship and registration systems, pressure is increasing on immigration authorities to explain how alleged fraud networks operated, identify those responsible and restore public confidence in one of the country’s most critical national security functions.
KTN News made the allegations in its undercover investigation. The claims have not been tested in court, and no evidence has been presented publicly linking Evelyn Cheluget personally to the alleged fraudulent acquisition of identity documents.