Bank official details cheque trail in Ksh1.1B Finland scholarship scam case

A witness on Wednesday testified in the multi-billion Finland education scholarship case as hearings resumed at the Nakuru Law Courts.

The case, in which Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, alongside his co-accused Joshua Lelei and Meshack Rono, are charged with graft and embezzlement of funds amounting to Ksh.1.1 billion, came before Senior Principal Magistrate Alloys Ndege.

The 137th witness, who is a bank official, shared detailed testimony on a series of cheques allegedly signed by the accused persons.

Further, the witness explained standard banking procedures, traced the movement of funds, and produced documentary exhibits linking the transactions to specific accounts under scrutiny.

“The evidence forms part of the Prosecution’s broader case that public monies channelled through the Uasin Gishu Overseas Education Trust Fund were unlawfully diverted,” the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) stated.

The fund had been established to support students pursuing education in Finland, before the alleged misappropriation denied beneficiaries a critical opportunity while exposing public resources to abuse.

The hearing continues as the court receives further evidence from the prosecution.