Trial of Senator Mandago and Co-Accused on Finland Scholarships Scandal Resumes.
The trial of Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and his co-accused, Joshua Lelei and Meshack Rono, resumed today in a packed Nakuru courtroom.
The trio faces charges of misappropriating KSh 1.1 billion in a Finland education program meant to support students pursuing studies abroad.
Three witnesses took the stand, detailing how funds intended for the program were allegedly diverted. Parents recounted how they struggled to raise KSh 1.17 million per student, covering accommodation, insurance, and air tickets.
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Despite making the payments, their children never traveled to Finland, leaving families financially devastated. Witnesses also testified that students and their parents were not informed of hidden fees associated with the program.
Victims Seek Justice
Scores of victims and their families gathered at the courtroom, some to testify and others to follow the proceedings. The trial painted a picture of broken trust, with victims blaming the accused for their financial and emotional distress.
One witness narrated how they received misleading communication via SMS, which further raised their hopes for a brighter future for their children.
Senator Mandago, along with Lelei and Rono, faces multiple charges, including corruption, embezzlement, conspiracy to commit an economic crime, abuse of office, breach of trust, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and falsifying documents.
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So far, 35 out of 202 witnesses have testified in the case, which continues on Thursday before Principal Magistrate Aloise Ndege. The victims remain hopeful that justice will prevail in what has been termed one of the most significant scholarship-related scandals in recent years.
Trial of Senator Mandago and Co-Accused on Finland Scholarships Scandal Resumes.
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