High Court Orders Immediate Arrest of Uasin Gishu Governor and Former Deputy Governor Over Finland Education Scandal

In a major development, the Nakuru High Court has issued arrest orders for Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and his former Deputy Governor, John Barorot, over their failure to testify in the ongoing Ksh1.1 billion Finland Education Programme scandal. The orders were made by Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndege after both officials failed to appear in court on Monday.

Ongoing Finland Education Programme Scandal

The scandal revolves around the misappropriation of funds meant for a Finland education programme designed to benefit students from Uasin Gishu County. Governor Jonathan Bii and former Deputy Governor John Barorot have been linked to the scandal, raising questions about their involvement in the mismanagement of the Ksh1.1 billion.

The arrest warrant comes just a month after Barorot resigned from his position as Deputy Governor, a move that many speculated was tied to the ongoing investigations. However, his resignation has not absolved him from responsibility, as he remains a key figure in the case.

Court Summons for Witnesses

Magistrate Ndege also summoned two critical witnesses, Mercy Tarus and Joel Koech, to appear in court on September 11, 2024. Their testimony is expected to shed light on the extent of the misappropriation and provide crucial evidence against other high-ranking officials, including Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago.

The court has experienced delays due to non-compliance by several key figures. Governor Bii and his former deputy were expected to provide essential testimony that could potentially alter the course of the case. Their failure to appear has prompted the court to take more aggressive measures, including issuing the arrest orders.

Arrest Warrants Extend to Others

Apart from Governor Bii and Barorot, the court has also ordered the arrest of Hillary Ruto, Stephen Lel, and Edwin Lel. These individuals were previously bonded by the prosecution but failed to show up for their scheduled court appearances, further complicating the proceedings.

What's Next?

The arrest of these key officials could mark a turning point in the Finland Education Programme scandal. As the court prepares for the next round of testimonies, all eyes will be on the Uasin Gishu County leadership and the actions that follow.

This case has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the funds involved and the high-profile individuals implicated. The public is keen to see justice served and those responsible for the alleged mismanagement of funds held accountable.