By Andrew Kariuki
The prosecution on Tuesday resumed hearings in the Ksh1.1 billion Finland Education Scholarship case at the Nakuru Law Courts, calling its 137th witness as it pressed on with efforts to trace and recover public funds allegedly lost through the controversial programme.
The matter involves Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, alongside his co-accused Joshua Lelei and Meshack Rono, who are facing charges related to corruption and embezzlement of public resources linked to the overseas education scheme.
Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Alloys Ndege, the prosecution team led by counsels Moses Macharia and Dan Smith Mbalasi presented testimony from a bank official who detailed financial transactions tied to the case.
The witness outlined a series of cheques allegedly signed by the accused persons, explaining the banking processes involved, tracking the flow of funds and producing documents that prosecutors say connect the transactions to accounts under investigation.
According to the prosecution, the evidence forms part of a broader case alleging that money meant for the Uasin Gishu Overseas Education Trust Fund was unlawfully diverted.
The fund had been set up to sponsor students to study in Finland, but prosecutors argue that mismanagement and illegal dealings resulted in massive financial losses and left intended beneficiaries stranded.
The court continues to receive evidence as the prosecution builds its case, with further hearings expected to proceed in the coming days.
