The Sh1.1 billion Finland Education Scholarship case resumed at the Nakuru Law Courts with the prosecution presenting its 137th witness as it seeks to demonstrate how public funds set aside for students, were allegedly misappropriated through the Uasin Gishu County Overseas Education Trust Fund.
Domitilla Maiyo, a bank official, appeared before the court giving a detailed testimony on a series of financial transactions that are central to the case.
Maiyo explained standard banking procedures, the processing of cheques, and how specific transactions were traced across various accounts attached to the trust fund under investigation.
The prosecution argued that her evidence was crucial in establishing a clear trail of funds and linking the disputed transactions to accounts allegedly associated with the accused.
The case involves Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, alongside Joshua Lelei and Meshack Rono. The trio are accused of offences related to the management of the overseas education programme.
According to the prosecutors, the trust fund was designed to cater for overseas university fees, particularly for students admitted to institutions in Finland, but instead, it was allegedly used as a conduit to divert public resources.
The accused faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to Section 393 of the Penal Code, stealing contrary to section 268(1) as read with Section 275, abuse of office contrary to section 101 as read with section 102(a), and forgery contrary to section 345 and 347(ii) as read with section 349 of the penal code, all under the penal code, cap 63 of the Laws of Kenya.
The prosecution maintains that public money earmarked for students was diverted unlawfully through formal financial channels, using official documentation and banking systems.
The Finland scholarship programme has raised attention across the country, following complaints from parents and students who claimed they were required to pay large sums of money into the trust fund, expecting to secure oversea education opportunities.
However, several beneficiaries were later left stranded after the programme stalled, raising questions about the management and accountability of the funds.
State agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), conducted the investigations into the matter, culminating in the ongoing prosecution.
The accused have denied the charges and are waiting for their opportunity to present a defence. Meanwhile, the hearing continues as the prosecution is expected to call more witnesses to further support its case.
