Jackson Mandago: Court Releases Uasin Senator On KSh 500k Cash Bail Awaiting Plea Taking

• Uasin Gishu senator Jackson Mandago was arraigned in Nakuru over the controversial Finland and Canada scholarship programme
• Senior Principal Magistrate Alloys Ndege deferred the plea-taking, arguing that a criminal case cannot commence in the absence of another suspect
• The magistrate consequently released Mandago and two other co-accused on a KSh 500,000 cash bail

Nakuru - A court has ordered the release of the embattled Uasin Gishu senator Jackson Mandago on cash bail.

Magistrate Alloys Ndege's order on plea taking

Senior Principal Magistrate Alloys Ngege granted Mandago a cash bail of KSh 500,000 or a bond of KSh 2 million and surety of a similar amount.

"I order that the 2nd, 3rd and 4th accused person be released on a KSh 2 million bond and a surety of a similar amount or a KSh 500,000 cash bail. The fact that the ruling is yet to be taken should not be a bar to bail," the magistrate ruled.

In his ruling, Ndege deferred plea-taking, arguing that one key suspect in the case was not present as they were charged jointly.

The former Uasin Gishu governor had been arraigned with two other defendants, Joshua Lelei and Meshack Rono.

According to the magistrate, criminal proceedings against Mandago and the two other co-accused cannot start without the other accused person.

The magistrate advised the prosecution to consider separating the matter so that the first accused, still at large, would be charged separately.

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 Senator Mandago is 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.