Uasin Gishu Scholarship Embezzlement Scandal: EACC Probe nears Completion
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is getting closer to the conclusion of its investigation into the Uasin Gishu scholarship scandal, which has angered Kenyans and sparked massive demonstrations in the county.
A source at the commission informed Citizen Digital that the investigation is nearly complete and that the file will then be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The insider noted that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, cognizant of the immense public interest and the need for swift justice in this matter, has prioritized the investigation that began in March 2023.
In the coming weeks, the Commission will submit the investigation’s final report to the Director of Public Prosecutions along with appropriate recommendations.
The anti-corruption agency is investigating allegations that officials of the Uasin Gishu County government embezzled over Ksh.837 million collected from parents to facilitate scholarship programs for their children in Finland and Canada.
The Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago was questioned by EACC detectives about the incident on Tuesday of last week in his capacity as county governor when the scholarship fund was conceptualized and implemented.
The Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund account was reportedly established in May 2021, and parents had deposited Ksh.957,167,143 by December 2022.
A total of Ksh.257,326,740 was taken from the account to facilitate the travel of beneficiaries to Finland and Canada for the programs.
EACC is concentrating its investigation on Ksh.57,538,429 withdrawn locally by Uasin Gishu County officials tasked with managing the fund.
Over 200 parents whose children were to receive scholarships in Canada and Finland filed refund requests with the DCI last month, indicating that they are no longer interested in the programs.
The parents have accused Governor Jonathan Bii and Senator Mandago of playing politics with severe issues that have significantly affected their children.
Since then, the two county leaders have conducted numerous meetings with the affected parents in an effort to find amicable solutions.
Uasin Gishu Scholarship Embezzlement Scandal: EACC Probe nears Completion
