Ruto breaks silence on Uasin Gishu scholarship scandal

President William Ruto has broken his silence over a scholarship scandal that has caused a storm in Uasin Gishu County.

Former Uasin Gishu governor, now Senator Jackson Arap Mandago has been at the centre of the saga, which left hundreds of students stranded and scores of parents reeling from losses.

Several parents sold property among them land to enable their children to go to Canada and Finland for further education, but that was never to be.

President Ruto who is in Uasin Gishu County for the ongoing devolution conference, said he was aware of the scandal.

The Head of State said anyone involved in misappropriation of the funds for the scholarship, must make a refund.

"Mambo ya Finland najua tuko na matatizo, kuna wazazi wametoa pesa na pesa yao haijulikani iko wapi. Kama kuna mtu alikula hiyo pesa ajipange kulipa mapema ama ataingia taabani (The issue of Finland I know we have problems; parents gave out money and it is not clear where that money is. If there is anyone who misappropriated that money, he/she should plan to repay or they will be in for trouble).”

"Hakuna maneno ya kubembelezana, pesa ya ng’ombe ya mtu ama aliuza shamba lazima arudishiwe pesa yake (There is no pleading with anybody. Anyone who sold land or cattle must have his or her money refunded),” added the Head of State.

After the money is repaid, Ruto said his administration will ensure students duped in the scam get other scholarship opportunities, locally.

Over 100 parents have recorded statements with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Eldoret, over missing millions of shillings from the Uasin Gishu Overseas Education Trust scholarship bank account.

The account reportedly received Sh837, 855, 889 from parents.

Under the same breadth, the National Police Service (NPS) is in the process of executing a warrant of arrest against Senator Mandago, who has allegedly gone underground since yesterday.