In Summary
- Maritim as one of the key suspects wanted in connection with the purported misappropriation of funds
- Mandago arraigned in court
The Director of Criminal Investigations DCI has revealed that Joseph Maritime, Chief Officer under the tenure of former Uasin Gishu county governor Jackson Mandago has fled the country.
This revelation comes as investigations into the alleged Finland and Canada education program mismanagement commences.
The DCI’s statement identifies Maritim as one of the key suspects wanted in connection with the purported misappropriation of funds meant for a scholarship program.
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“The senator was arrested alongside two top County officials Joshua Lelei and Mishack Rono over the scam, where parents lost over Sh800 million. A fourth suspect Joseph Maritim, is believed to have sneaked out of the country at the height of the investigation, “
the statement read in part.
Parent’s Misery
The aggrieved parents allege that the money they paid to the county to secure scholarships for their children’s education in Finland and Canada was improperly used by county officials.
The DCI’s announcement follows the arrest of Mandago who is the current Uasin Gishu County senator alongside the program’s deputy director Meshack Rono and trustee Joshua Kipkemboi.
“Sleuths from the Financial Investigations Unit launched a manhunt for the three who engaged them in cat and mouse games, before the suspects opted to surrender when they ran out of ideas,”
They have been arraigned before a Nakuru court and charged with conspiracy to steal funds from an account registered under the Uasin Gishu education trust fund.
READ ALSO: Usitubebe Ufala!Why Uasin Gishu Gen Z Are Angry At Mandago
The alleged illicit withdrawals spanned from March 2021 to September 2021.
This diversion of funds, which were painstakingly contributed by parents who even resorted to selling their assets such as cattle and land, has left families distraught.
