A Kenyan senator has been apprehended in connection with a scholarship scandal.
Jackson Mandago, along with three others, faces a total of 11 charges, encompassing accusations of theft and misuse of authority.
Allegedly, Mandago participated in a scheme that purportedly conspired to embezzle approximately 1.1 billion Kenyan shillings (equivalent to $7.6 million or £5.9 million). These funds were originally intended to facilitate higher education opportunities for Kenyan students in Finland and Canada.
Local media reports have indicated that numerous students who had made payments for overseas education were left stranded within Kenya due to these purported actions. For those who had already commenced studies abroad, the situation posed the risk of homelessness, expulsion, and deportation as the county government ceased disbursements for accommodation and tuition.
The allegations come to light during a period when Mr. Mandago was serving as a governor.
It has been noted that Mr. Mandago has previously denied any misappropriation of the funds in question, as reported by Kenya’s Star newspaper.
According to an additional report, Mr. Mandago, along with the incumbent Uasin Gishu county governor, has undertaken an agreement to facilitate refunds for the affected individuals.
The scandal’s perpetrators have been warned to promptly return the funds for the Finland and Canada Overseas Education Program under penalty of “trouble” by President William Ruto, who also made a statement on the subject.
He declared that he would provide local scholarships to individuals affected once the investigations were completed.