Jackson Mandago Arrested Over Finland Scholarship Scandal

• Uasin Gishu senator Jackson Mandago was arrested at his residence in Eldoret town and taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations regional office in Nakuru
• The former Uasin Gishu governor was arrested in connection to the controversial Finland scholarship programme
• Initially, the National Police Service, in a statement, claimed that the outspoken senator had gone into hiding

Uasin Gishu - Senator Jackson Mandago has been arrested in Eldoret town over the controversial Finland and Canada scholarship programme.

Where Mandago was taken after his arrest

The arrest comes a few hours after a Nakuru court issued an arrest warrant against Mandago and three other officials.

Citizen TV reported that the former Uasin Gishu governor was arrested at his residence and carted off to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations regional office in Nakuru.

After failing to appear for a plea taking, the court issued the warrant for the outspoken Uasin Gishu senator.

The court also issued arrest warrants against Joseph Kipkemoi Maritim, Meshak Rono, and Joshua Kipkemoi Lelei.

The National Police Service claimed Mandago had gone into hiding after an arrest warrant was issued against him.

In a statement, the police revealed that the former governor went underground on Tuesday, August 15.

"The National Police Service is in the process of executing a Warrant of Arrest against Uasin Gishu Senator Hon. Jackson Mandago, who has gone underground since yesterday, and calls upon the Senator to present himself at the nearest police station," the statement read.

NPS appealed to Kenyans with any information that might help in arresting the senator to report to the nearest station or use other available platforms to relay the information.

"NPS further appeals to any member of public with information about Senator Mandago's whereabout to report to the nearest police station or report via our toll free numbers 999, 112, 911 and the fichua Kwa DCI 0800722203," it stated.

What Ruto said about Finland scholarship saga

Meanwhile, President William Ruto warned Uasin Gishu leaders embroiled in the Finland scholarship scam to return the money they defrauded the parents and students.

Coming at the back of disquiet in Uasin Gishu due to the scam in which Mandago is among those implicated, Ruto said those who embezzled money belonging to the students should take accountability.

Speaking in Eldoret on Wednesday, August 16, the president said that when investigations are done, those found guilty of squandering the money will also face the consequences.

"Investigations are ongoing. Whoever squandered this money should be ready to return it. Nobody should be cajoled; everyone must get their money back. After investigations are done, I will see how we can help those students affected by this. Those who swindled the cash should be held accountable," the president said.