As a result of the KSh1.1 billion Finland Education Programme scandal, a court in Nakuru has ordered the arrest and detention of Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and 3 other county officials.
The others are Joshua Lelei, Meshack Rono, the County Education Revolving Fund’s Deputy Director and Trustee, Joseph Maritim, the recently retired Chief Officer of Youth and Sports, and Meshack Rono.
The orders were given by Nakuru Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndege in response to a request by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) Hassan Abdi.
While speaking to the court on behalf of Abdi, prosecutor Angeline Chinga stated that despite the ODPP recommending eleven counts against the 4, they did not appear in court for a plea as required by law.
Chinga claimed that Mandago, Rono, and Lelei had turned off their cell phones and were unable to be found at their known residences.
“One suspect, Maritim, was out of the country despite being required to appear before the court on Wednesday morning,” said Chinga.
The 4 face charges of conspiracy to steal over KSh1.1 billion, theft, abuse of office, and forgery. The money was meant for students under the Uasin Gishu County Overseas Education fund.
“The warrants of arrest are hereby issued against the four accused persons, to be arrested within the next week,” ordered Ndege.
The case will be mentioned on 22 August.
