Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has criticised the acquittal of Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago in the Sh1.1 billion overseas scholarship scandal, insisting that affected families still deserve justice despite the court ruling.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 23, after the decision, Sudi maintained that the core issue in the case remains unresolved, pointing to the financial losses suffered by parents who had enrolled their children in the controversial Finland and Canada education programme.
“The truth of the matter is that pesa ya wazazi ilipotea, and the parents had already paid,” Sudi said, mixing English and Swahili to emphasise his message.
The MP revealed that he had previously advised Mandago to organise a fundraising effort to help refund affected families, but claimed the suggestion was rejected.
“I was telling Mandago tufanye harambee, but akajifanya mjuaji and refused,” he added.
Criticism of the Legal Process
Sudi also took issue with the handling of the case, alleging that financial influence may have played a role in its outcome. He claimed that resources used in legal battles could have instead been directed towards compensating victims.
“The money he’s been using on lawyers na kuhonga magistrates could have paid hata nusu ya hiyo pesa,” Sudi stated.
While the court cleared Mandago citing insufficient evidence to sustain criminal charges, Sudi argued that the acquittal does not erase the losses incurred by families.
“The case has stalled and the one with influence has benefited, because mnyonge hana haki,” he said.
Support for Affected Families
Despite the ruling, the Kapseret legislator reaffirmed his support for the parents, many of whom reportedly paid up to Sh1 million per student in hopes of securing overseas education opportunities.
He said his focus remains on ensuring accountability and pushing for justice outside the courtroom.
“But I am standing with these parents and their right to justice. Ni sawa, Mungu atasimama na hao wazazi,” Sudi added.
Ongoing Concerns
The scholarship programme, initiated during Mandago’s tenure as governor, has remained under public scrutiny after hundreds of students failed to secure placements abroad despite payments being made.
While the acquittal marks a legal victory for Mandago, it leaves unresolved questions over the fate of the funds and the future of affected students.