Parents and students affected by the KSh1 billion Finland education programme scam in Uasin Gishu have taken to the streets of Eldoret, demanding refunds a day after Senator Jackson Mandago and two others were acquitted in a case linked to the scandal.
The protests, led by the affected parents and students, came after a Nakuru court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case against Mandago and his co accused.
The decision has left more than 350 victims stranded, many of whom deposited millions of shillings with the county government for overseas study opportunities that never materialised.
Senior Principal Magistrate Alloyce Ndege acquitted Mandago after reviewing testimony from 138 witnesses, most of them victims. He noted that while parents and students were promised a one time payment to cover all costs, many later faced additional fees and debts. “I dismiss all charges against the accused persons and acquit them,” Ndege declared, closing one of the most closely watched trials in recent years.
The ruling has reignited anger among families who say they entrusted their money to the county government under agreements signed during Mandago’s tenure as governor. While some learners managed to secure placements in Finland and Canada, many others were left behind despite paying large sums.
Shadrack Juma, who lost Sh1.2 million, vowed that victims would not relent until they receive full refunds. “The court has made its decision but we paid our money to the county and failed to get the study opportunities. We will not tire until justice is done,” he said.
Victims have now threatened to storm the county offices next Tuesday to press for refunds, insisting that current governor Jonathan Bii must take responsibility for ensuring their money is returned. They also plan to pursue ongoing cases in the small claims courts, signalling that the acquittal has not ended their quest for justice.
The scandal, which involved the county government collecting funds from parents and students for overseas education programmes, has left a trail of financial loss and emotional anguish. For many families, the acquittal has deepened the sense of betrayal, with victims arguing that the State must intervene to secure refunds and restore public trust.
By Masaki Enock
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