Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has called for leaders to put politics aside and focus on finding a lasting solution to the Finland scholarship saga, days after a Nakuru court acquitted Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and his two co-accused in the criminal case linked to the programme.

In a statement on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Sudi said the priority should now shift from political blame to addressing the plight of affected students and their families.

“Putting politics aside, there must be a lasting solution to the Finland scholarship issue. The students and families affected deserve clarity, fairness, and a resolution that protects their future,” Sudi stated.

Jackson Mandago’s case

Sudi’s remarks come after Senior Principal Magistrate Alloyce Ndege ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Mandago and his co-accused over the controversial Ksh1.1 billion Uasin Gishu overseas education programme, leading to their acquittal.

The court held that there was insufficient evidence to link the accused to criminal culpability, noting that claims for refunds could instead be pursued through civil proceedings.

Ndege averred that the administrative mishaps in themselves are not sufficient to lead to a conviction unless sound evidence is produced in court and proves beyond reasonable doubt that the three committed any criminal activities.

“Refunds can be sought in a civil forum, as the main purpose of a criminal trial is to punish an offender and not to collect debt,” Magistrate Ndege ruled.

“Let’s also comment that most crucial witnesses failed to turn up, while those who turned up were beneficiaries of the scheme and therefore were not of much help in this case,” the magistrate added.

After finding no evidence linking the former governor and his two co-accused with any case, the court dismissed the case against them.

“I hereby dismiss all the charges against the accused persons pursuant to the provisions of section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code and consequently acquit all of them of the offences of conspiracy to commit a felony, stealing, abuse of office and forgery,” Magistrate Ndege ruled.

The Finland and Canada scholarship programme, launched during Mandago’s tenure as Uasin Gishu governor, was intended to facilitate students’ studies abroad.

However, it sparked a national outcry after hundreds of parents alleged they had paid millions of shillings into the programme, only for students to face unpaid tuition fees, accommodation challenges and uncertainty over their studies.

Although the criminal case has now been dismissed, many affected parents continue to demand refunds and accountability, insisting that the acquittal does not resolve the financial losses they suffered.