DCI probes Finland Scholarship fraud, Uasin Gishu Senator, Governor on the spot
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and Governor Jonathan Bii are under investigation as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) probes a scholarship program sending students to Finland for further studies.
In a statement, DCI revealed that the probe was initiated based on public complaints alleging fraud by the Uasin Gishu County government.
“This follows numerous complaints by members of the public from Uasin Gishu County, who claimed to have been defrauded millions of shillings in a scholarship program to the Scandinavian country, that failed to materialize,” the statement read in part.
The statement further said that as of Tuesday, July 18, 2023, officers will be sent to Uasin Gishu County where they will carry out the probe.
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The DCI asked members of the public who have been affected and lost millions in the process to present their cases in its offices within Eldoret Town.
The victims were also requested to bring all the relevant documents in their possession related to the matter.
Both Mandago and Bii have been trading accusations against each other over the scholarship deal.
On Thursday, July 13, 2023, Mandago said that he left office as governor at a time when the bank account meant for the program had Sh104 million.
He denied any involvement in swindling money and urged Governor Bii to be transparent and reveal what he knows about the entire issue.
Mandago suggested that the first-term governor should hold a meeting with the parents and students demanding a refund of their hard-earned money.
Governor Bii, however, continues to assert that Mr. Mandago should be held accountable since the idea was conceived and initiated during his tenure.
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