Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and his two co-accused have been acquitted in the KSh1.1 billion Finland education scholarship case after a Nakuru court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a case against them.
Senior Principal Magistrate Alloyce Ndege found that the evidence presented by the prosecution did not meet the threshold required for the accused to be put on their defence.
He observed that many of the prosecution witnesses were victims who had been made to believe that a one-time payment would cater for the full cost of their studies, only to later be asked to pay additional fees.
Mandago Cleared in KSh1.1 Billion Finland Case. Photo: Courtesy.
The court subsequently dismissed all charges against Mandago and his co-accused.
Following the ruling, Mandago said the acquittal would pave the way for efforts to recover money from beneficiaries who received financial support from the Trust using funds that had originally been intended for other students.
He argued that some beneficiaries had gone on to build permanent homes, purchase vehicles and establish successful lives through the programme, urging them to refund the money so that parents and students who were still struggling could be compensated.
Meanwhile, the High Court found former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, his former personal assistant Michael Oyamo and former Migori County Clerk Caspal Obiero guilty of the murder of university student Sharon Otieno.
Lady Justice Cecilia Githua ruled that the prosecution had proved its case against the three accused beyond reasonable doubt and convicted them of murder under the relevant provisions of the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code.
In her judgment, Justice Githua held that Obado provided the motive, instigation and financial support for the murder, while Oyamo facilitated its execution and Obiero offered logistical support and helped conceal the crime.
The judge concluded that the actions of the three demonstrated planning, coordination and a shared intention that ultimately resulted in Sharon Otieno’s death.
