ODM says Mandago should be held accountable over Finland Scholarship saga

Affected parents hold peaceful demonstrations demanding refunds. [File, Standard]

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has demanded for justice on behalf of Uasin Gishu student airlift program scandal victims.

The party made the sentiments barely a week since former Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago was arrested and charged alongside two others.

In a statement via its official Twitter page, the Raila Odinga-led political party said that as a result of parents losing their funds under unclear circumstances, Mandago should be held accountable.

“The ODM Party unreservedly condemns the actions of the former Governor and underscores the belief that this incident is not an isolated occurrence but rather a reflection of a broader trend within the William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza political circle. The Uasin Gishu student airlift scam is a grave violation of the public trust.”

“ODM calls upon the relevant criminal justice agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims. It is imperative that the perpetrators of this deceitful scheme, including former Governor Jackson Mandago, be held accountable for their actions.”

Further, the opposition party has pointed an accusing finger towards the Kenya Kwanza regime, for allegedly turning a blind eye to corruption.

“The scandal has raised questions about the integrity and accountability of public officials, particularly those entrusted with leadership positions. We believe that this heinous act is not an anomaly, but rather indicative of a disturbing pattern of corruption and exploitation by Kenya Kwanza honchos.”

This comes a day after the Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss distanced herself from the Finland scholarship saga. She said she was not aware of what was going on.

“I was deliberately quiet because I did not know how this happened when I sought information on what transpired, I did not get the right information from the right authorities,” she said in an interview on Spice FM.

Mandago, now the Senator of Uasin Gishu County, and his co-accused were released on a cash bail of Sh500, 000 after denying ten charges preferred against them by the Office Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).