UASIN GISHU, Kenya – Parents and students affected by the Uasin Gishu County Finland-Canada program saga are urging the Judiciary to expedite court proceedings and facilitate refunds for payments made three years ago.
They are calling on Chief Justice Martha Koome to intervene, emphasising the prolonged struggle for justice.
Speaking at a press conference in Eldoret, the victims highlighted the mounting challenges of repaying loans they had borrowed to finance their children’s promised travel for studies abroad.
What the frustrated parents are going through
Many say they are facing significant stress, with some reportedly failing ill due to the financial and emotional toll of being defrauded.
The parents demand accountability and the immediate return of their hard-earned money, lamenting leaders’ betrayal of trust.
“We paid school fees for our children to study in Finland and Canada, and they have yet to travel. They are just loitering here in town. When we paid these monies, Jackson Mandago was serving as the governor, and then Jonathan Bii succeeded him,” said one of the parents.
Another parent said:
“If the government is eating its people, it is eating its children. Surely, what is this?”
Why is justice delayed is justice denied
The parents lament that their case has been delayed in court for a long time.
“Our case has been dragged in court for three years, yet we know there is a law that should be adhered to. These politicians want to use this issue as a political tool. We are appealing to the Chief Justice to intervene because justice delayed is justice denied.”
The Finland-Canada program saga refers to a controversial educational initiative involving a proposed airlift for students from Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, to Finland for higher education.
This program was marred by allegations of financial mismanagement, leading to a significant backlash from parents and students who had invested substantial sums into it.
Key figures, including Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, are facing charges related to the amount involved, reportedly around Sh 50 million.
