In a shocking turn of events, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has allegedly promised to sell his land to compensate victims of the controversial Sh1.1 billion Finland and Canada overseas education programme scandal. This latest revelation has added another layer to the already complex case, which involves the misappropriation of funds meant for Uasin Gishu residents who sought educational opportunities abroad.
The Promise to Refund Victims: What Was Said?
As the case continues to unfold, Asenath Okello, a key witness, provided significant testimony on Thursday in Nakuru. According to Okello, Mandago, who initially launched the overseas education programme, promised the victims that their funds would be refunded. Okello, one of the many affected by the scandal, recalled that during a meeting attended by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Mandago, the two leaders discussed the situation with the victims.
“Mandago promised that our money would be refunded, and if need be, he would offer his land for sale to make that happen,” Okello testified.
This promise has sparked more controversy, as many are questioning whether it was a genuine offer or an attempt to appease the victims and deflect responsibility.
The Case of Misappropriated Funds
Mandago, along with county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei, has been charged with the misappropriation of funds that were intended to support local students pursuing education in Finland and Canada. These funds, totaling Sh1.1 billion, were allegedly mishandled, leaving hundreds of students without the promised opportunities for higher education abroad.
Despite Mandago’s alleged promises to compensate the victims, the issue remains unresolved. As Okello testified, she had made multiple payments for the program, including a Sh650,000 deposit on November 1, 2022, and an additional Sh122,000 on January 17, 2023, but received an offer for a Bachelor of Arts degree instead of her desired Nursing course.
Refund Requests and Uncertainty Surrounding the Programme
The ongoing delays and miscommunication have left many participants, including Okello, frustrated. The programme’s slow progress caused some victims to lose faith in its success. On July 10, 2023, Okello took the step of writing a formal request for a refund, further highlighting the breakdown in trust between the victims and the programme organizers.
Despite the claims made by Mandago and Bii, many students continue to seek reimbursement for funds that were paid in good faith, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the program’s future and the recovery of lost funds.
What’s Next for the Uasin Gishu Education Scandal?
As the legal proceedings continue, the people of Uasin Gishu, especially those in Eldoret, are closely watching how this case unfolds. With several key figures involved, including the current county governor and former officials, this case will likely set a precedent for handling similar issues in the future.
The ongoing scandal raises serious questions about the management of public funds and the accountability of public officials. For many residents of Eldoret, the hope is that justice will be served, and the victims will finally receive compensation for their losses.
Conclusion
The Uasin Gishu Overseas Education Scandal has caused widespread anger and disappointment, particularly among those who entrusted the program with their hard-earned money. With Senator Jackson Mandago’s land offer and promises of refunds, the case continues to evolve, keeping residents of Eldoret and beyond on edge. Whether the victims will be fully compensated remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—this scandal has shaken the trust between the public and their leaders.
