Police on Wednesday, August 16 arrested Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago moments after President William Ruto addressed the academic airlift programme and put masterminds of the scam on notice.
While addressing a gathering in Uasin Gishu County, President Ruto explained that investigations are on, and all the people accused will be punished.
“There are parents who contributed money and it cannot be traced, if there is somebody who misused these funds, they should prepare to repay, or they will be problem, ‘said President Ruto.
Further, President Ruto said the parent’s money must be refunded since some of the sold properties to finance their children’s education.
Further, the President promised to help the students affected by the scandal stating that they are innocent and should not be blamed.
“After the investigations are complete, we will award these students with local scholarships to ensure they continue with their studies,” said Ruto.
However, President Ruto emphasized that those found guilty will not get away with it.
“This does not mean that those who squandered the scholarship money will be free, that is impossible.
I will not let that happen, they have brought shame upon us,” added Ruto.
Also Read: Arrest Warrant Against Mandago Issued
Mandago Arrest
Senator Mandago was arrested at his residence in Eldoret before being taken to DCI regional offices in Nakuru.
The arrest came after a warrant was issued to arrest Senator Mandago and three others after they failed to appear before Nakuru Chief Magistrate for plea-taking.
Prior to the arrest, Senator Mandago had earlier claimed that he was on his way to court.
Police Statement
The Director of Public Prosecution ordered the arrest of the vocal Uasin Gishu Senator and three other county officials.
Notably, the other three officials are Joseph Kipkemoi, Maritim Meshak Rono and Joshua Kipkemoi Lelei.
In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the process of executing the DPP’s order was ongoing.
Further NPS appealed to any members of public with information about Senator Mandago’s whereabout to report to the nearest police station or report via our toll-free numbers 999, 112, 911 and the fichua Kwa DCI 0800722203.
‘The National Police Service is in the process of executing a Warrant of Arrest against Uasin Gishu Senator Hon. Jackson Mandago, who has gone underground since yesterday, calls upon the Senator to present himself at the nearest police station,” said NPS.
Also Read: Profile of Bold Gen Z Graduate Who Lectured Mandago
Mandago at center of scam
Earlier before the DPP’s order, Senator Mandago discredited reports that DCI officers were after him.
“There are rumours all over Eldoret Town that DCI Officers have been looking for me the whole night.
As a law-abiding citizen, I am available once summoned. I have met with the leadership of parents and agreed on the way forward as per their press statement issued last evening.
I have met with the leadership of parents demanding refunds and agreed on the way foward as per their press statement issued last evening,” stated Mandago.
Mandago Charges
Senator Mandago and the three county officials face charges of conspiracy to commit felony, stealing and abuse of office.
They are accused of conspiring to steal over Ksh.837 million from an account domiciled at the Kenya Commercial Bank in Eldoret.
Moreover, the account is registered under the Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund meant for overseas university fees for students under Uasin Gishu County Overseas Education Programme.
