Senate Drama as Onyonka and EACC Clash Over Uasin Gishu-Finland Scholarship Scandal.
Tensions ran high in the Senate on Tuesday as Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and officials from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) locked horns over the Uasin Gishu-Finland scandal.
The dispute occurred during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, which is investigating the multi-billion shilling scandal.
The clash began when EACC Deputy CEO Abdi Mohamud appeared before the committee and demanded that Senator Onyonka substantiate allegations he had previously made against the Commission.
Onyonka had publicly criticized the EACC, accusing it of being inept and failing to tackle corruption effectively. Mohamud pressed the Senator to provide evidence for these claims, escalating the tension in the session.
Overview of the Uasin Gishu-Finland Scandal
The scandal revolves around an alleged fraud orchestrated by First Choice Recruitment & Consultancy Agency Limited, involving 7,000 youths from Uasin Gishu County.
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These students were promised opportunities to study abroad through the Finland/Canada Student Overseas Program, but the program never materialized.
- Program Fees: Approximately 200 students were asked to pay over Ksh. 1 million each.
- Outcome: The program failed to take off, resulting in significant financial losses for the parents who had paid the fees.
Public Complaints and Investigations
Complainants claimed that trustees of the program included public officers from the Governor’s office.
They further petitioned the EACC to investigate why certain officials, like Ward Administrator Cosmas Kerich, remained in office despite being accused of soliciting bribes.
Additionally, there were concerns that the company responsible for the fraud was still in operation.
The EACC initially took charge of the case, recommending in November of the previous year that seven individuals and one company be charged.
Simultaneously, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was conducting its own probe, and suspects were presented in Nakuru.
However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) later directed the withdrawal of the DCI case, instructing that all suspects be charged under the EACC’s file.
EACC’s Stance on Political Criticism
In response to the confrontation with Onyonka, the EACC urged politicians to refrain from insulting the Commission and its officials.
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The Commission emphasized its dedication to fighting corruption and called for cooperation instead of undue criticism.
Senate Drama as Onyonka and EACC Clash Over Uasin Gishu-Finland Scholarship Scandal.
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