Uasin Gishu County has escalated a legal dispute to the High Court, challenging a case filed by parents and students impacted by the Finland education scam. The plaintiffs, seeking a refund of approximately Sh1 billion, originally filed their complaint in the Small Claims Court in Eldoret.
Magistrate Tabitha Mbugua is set to rule on the case, but county lawyers, led by Boaz Bulbul, argue that the Small Claims Court’s handling of the case has been unsatisfactory. They are requesting that the High Court take over the case and address it afresh.
Bulbul explained that the county seeks a suspension of proceedings and a transfer of the case to the High Court to ensure justice. He accused the Small Claims Court of bias since the proceedings began in December last year.
The plaintiffs, including Governor Jonathan Bii, his deputy John Barorot, and former Governor Jackson Mandago, as well as others associated with the Uasin Gishu Overseas Education Trust, have been accused of mishandling funds intended for overseas education.
One parent, Apolo Kipkoech, broke down in tears recounting how he paid Sh1 million for his daughter’s education abroad, only for her to remain at home. Another, Milcah Limo, described losing Sh950,000 and criticized the county’s insensitivity.
Mandago, Meshack Rono, and Joshua Lelei face charges in Nakuru related to the alleged theft of Sh1.1 billion from a KCB account. They have denied the charges and are out on Sh500,000 bail each.
The High Court is expected to address the case after a preliminary mention on October 4. The parents and students, represented by Emmanuel Kiptoo, previously demonstrated in Eldoret demanding their money back.
