DPP orders arrest of Mandago and two others: Will "untouchables" usual "dance" unfold next with no justice for Uasin Gishu parents?
Arrest orders issued for Mandago and two others as political backlash lingers
Senator Jackson Mandago of Uasin Gishu, along with two other county officials, is now being sought by the police over the controversial Finland Canada scholarship scam. The Director of Public Prosecution's Office has just this morning (August 16th) approved their prosecution.
This comes after almost two weeks of hesitancy and double-speak by authorities and investigating officials who claimed that they were still doing some rigorous investigations into the alleged misuse of funds. Close observers, including this analyst however pointed out to the huge possible political impact of prosecuting the powerful Nandi community politician.
Mandago and the officials have so far today evaded the police, despite being reportedly present at the Devolution Conference in Eldoret town.
The three are to be charged with conspiracy to commit felony, theft, and abuse of office.
Mandago is also under scrutiny by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives.
He was interrogated by the EACC on August 1 regarding the same issue as part of a separate probe by the anti-corruption agency.
The EACC is investigating allegations of the misappropriation of over Sh837 million from the Uasin Gishu County government's scholarship fund.
The Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund account, established in May 2021, had received Sh957,167,143 in contributions from parents by December 2022.
Sh257,326,740 was removed from the account to support beneficiaries' travel to Finland and Canada for programs.
The EACC is examining Sh57,538,429 withdrawn locally by county officials in charge of the fund.
Protests have been ongoing in Eldoret Town over the issue, with participants demanding a refund.
Mandago has denied the allegations and called on his successor, Bii, to accept county leadership responsibility. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has issued an arrest warrant for the former Uasin Gishu governor, along with two others, in connection with the Finland and Canada airlift programme.
Comments