Some of the parents affected by the Finland education scam during protests in Eldoret /MATHEWS NDANYI
Parents and students affected by the Sh1 billion Finland education scam in Uasin Gishu have held protests in Eldoret a day after Senator Jackson Mandago was acquitted in a case linked to the scam.
Mandago along with two others were acquitted by a court in Nakuru which found that the prosecution had not proved its case against the accused.
But the more than 350 victims who lost their money in the scam have now threatened to storm the county offices next Tuesday to demand for refund.
The parents, led by Shadrack Juma, and affected students led by Asenath Okerio, said the court decision had left them stranded.
They have asked current governor Jonathan Bii to ensure their money is refunded
“The court has made its decision but we paid our money to the county and failed to get the study opportunities in Finland and Canada for our children," Juma said.
The victims deposited their money with the county government which had signed the study deals with Finland and Canada. The overseas education deal was signed at the time Mandago was governor.
Some of the learners got the study opportunities but many others missed out.
Juma, who lost more than Sh1.2 million, said they will not get tired until they get full refund of their money.
Asenath said she had suffered stress and anguish after dropping out of a local college to go to Canada but ended up missing out.
“Life has been so stressful for us yet justice seems elusive. We will fight on and those who took our money will one day pay for it," she said.
Senior Principal Magistrate Alloyce Ndege acquitted Mandago after he outlined the prosecution's case, noting that dozens of witnesses had testified during the trial.
“The prosecution brought 138 witnesses, mostly victims. Victims were told that the one-time payment would cater for all. Simultaneously, students testified to an experience whereby after making payment they were subjected to other fees; the vast majority were in debt," Ndege said.
Magistrate Ndege consequently dismissed the case, saying, "I dismiss all charges against the accused persons and acquit them."
Juma said despite the rulling, they would not give up at all and that they would also persue ongoing cases in the small claims courts
