In Summary
Mandago and other two co-accused have been released on bond.
They did not take plea as third co-accused is on the run.
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has been released on 2 million shillings bond alongside other two co-accused persons Joshua Lelei and Meshak Rono.
The three did not take as Police pursue third accused person who is on the run.
They are accused of conspiring to defraud Uasin Gishu County Government education Trust Fund Shillings 1.1 billion meant for scholarships abroad.
President Ruto on Sponsorship Scandal
Yesterday President William Ruto said no one will escape the arm of the law and that all those involved in the Uasin Gishu Sponsorship Scandal will face full wrath of the law.
He however, pledged his support to the families affected and that his government will see how to sponsor the students locally.
“Kuna wazazi ambao wametoa pesa na pesa yao haijulikani Iko wapi sindio,mambo ya uchunguzi inaendelea wale wote kama Kuna mtu alikula hiyo pesa,ajipange kulipa mapema ama ataingia taabani.Hakuna maneno ya kubembelezana pesa ya ngombe ya mtu ama aliuza shamba lake lazima arudishiwe.Lakini hapo mbele uchunguzi ukimalizika tutaona vile ya kusaidia watoto ambao wamehusika na hiyo matatizo.” Ruto said.
Mercy Tarus one of the graduates who were scammed says the botched sponsorship program by the Uasin Gishu government caused them huge loss both mentally and economically as their parents had to sell properties to get money that was required to be enrolled in the program.
“We were told that it would be easier for us to go to Canada and Finland through the county government…we would not be asked for bank statements, they would provide for us a blanket cover, That is why we trusted the Uasin Gishu County government…in fact they told us to hurry up and organize our financial affairs within two weeks and bring them the money. We trusted them and gave them our money, but when it came to accountability, they decided that they’re now not going to be involved with this program.” Mercy Tarus one of the affected graduate said.
