A Nakuru court has acquitted Uasin Gishu County Senator Jackson Kiplagat Mandago and his two co-accused, Meshack Rono and Joshua Kipkemboi Lelei, of the charges against them in the Finland education scholarship case.

In acquitting the three in the Ksh1.1 billion case, Senior Principal Magistrate Alloyce Ndege on Thursday, July 23, 2026, ruled that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case in any other charges against them.

Magistrate Ndege noted that the main reason for the failure of proof was that most of the witnesses in the case were victims whose prayers were for a refund.

Further, he stated that there was no evidence tabled in court linking the senator and his co-accused persons with any criminal culpability.

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.

During his time as the Uasin Gishu governor, his government created an Education Revolving Fund that was domiciled at the county’s department of education, youth affairs and sports.

According to court papers, the main purpose of the fund was to lend to students, which would then be recovered from them.

The court heard that the loan was meant to assist students and fund needy students to advance their education, mainly in the field of nursing.