Court acquits Senator Mandago, two co-accused in Finland scholarship saga

Former Uasin Gishu Governor and current Senator Jackson Mandago and his two co-accused have been acquitted in the Ksh.1.1 billion Finland education scholarship case after a Nakuru court found that the prosecution had failed to establish a case against them.

The ruling, which had initially been scheduled for July 21 but was postponed due to paperwork, was delivered on Wednesday by Senior Principal Magistrate Alloyce Ndege.

Before delivering the verdict, the magistrate outlined the prosecution's case, noting that dozens of witnesses had testified during the trial.

Despite the evidence presented by the prosecution, the court found that the charges had not been proved to the required legal threshold.

"The prosecution brought 138 witnesses, mostly victims. Victims were told that the one-time payment would cater for all. Simultaneously, students testified to an experience whereby after making payment they were subjected to other fees; the vast majority were in debt. They allege that the programme was not clear, but they trusted it because it was being spearheaded by the third accused person," said the Magistrate.

Magistrate Ndege consequently dismissed the case, saying, "I dismiss all charges against the accused persons and acquit them."

The case stemmed from allegations that hundreds of students and parents were defrauded through the controversial Uasin Gishu overseas education programme, under which families paid millions of shillings in the hope of securing university placements in Finland and Canada.

The prosecution had called 138 witnesses, most of them victims, who told the court they had been assured that a one-off payment would cover all costs.

However, many later claimed they were asked to pay additional fees, leaving the majority heavily indebted.