Former Uasin Gishu Governor and current Senator Jackson Mandago, alongside his two co-accused, has been acquitted in the KSh1.1 billion Finland education scholarship case after a Nakuru court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a case against them.
The judgment, initially scheduled for July 21 but postponed due to paperwork, was delivered on Wednesday by Senior Principal Magistrate Alloyce Ndege.
Before delivering the ruling, the magistrate reviewed the prosecution’s case, noting that it had presented testimony from 138 witnesses, the majority of whom were parents and students who claimed to have lost money through the controversial overseas education programme.
“The prosecution brought 138 witnesses, mostly victims. Victims were told that the one-time payment would cater for all. Simultaneously, students testified to an experience whereby after making payment they were subjected to other fees; the vast majority were in debt. They allege that the programme was not clear, but they trusted it because it was being spearheaded by the third accused person,” Magistrate Ndege said.
Despite the extensive witness testimony, the court found that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges to the required legal standard.
“I dismiss all charges against the accused persons and acquit them,” the magistrate ruled.
The case arose from allegations that hundreds of students and parents were defrauded through the Uasin Gishu overseas education programme, under which families paid millions of shillings in the hope of securing university placements in Finland and Canada.
During the trial, many witnesses testified that they had been assured a one-time payment would cover all tuition and related expenses. However, several students later told the court they were required to pay additional fees after arriving abroad, leaving many families in financial distress.
With the acquittal, Mandago and his two co-accused have been cleared of all charges in the high-profile case.
