Former Uasin Gishu gubernatorial candidate Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop (Buzeki) has asked EACC to freeze accounts of individuals linked with the controversial Finland and Canada Overseas Education Program.
Buzeki argues that the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission should take action before the said individuals dispose off assets they acquired using the money ill gotten from the controversial program.
“The assets belonging to the individuals involved in carrying out the embezzlement scheme, as mentioned, should be frozen by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) before they have a chance to dispose of them,” he said.
In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Sunday, the billionaire businessman further challenged Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim and Senator Jackson Mandago to come clean on the program.
According to Buzeki, Mandago’s argument that some of the money were used to pay for students already in Finland and Canada needed more probe.
“…the explanation that the money paid by students who are still stranded in Kenya was used to cover the fees of students already in Finland is both absurd and annoying,” noted Buzeki.
“This explanation requires deeper investigation, and I am skeptical of its validity. It is highly likely that it is a falsehood,” he added.
What was in students account?
Further, the businessman who has twice vied for the Uasin Gishu Governor’s seat said claims that over Ksh100 million were handed over to the new administration by Mandago needed further probe.
Mandago said he handed over accounts for the parents fee with a balance of not less than Ksh100 million while Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Eng John Barorot had noted that the account only had Ksh1.8 million.
“It is crucial for KOTI MOJA to publicly verify or refute this statement. If proven true, KOTI MOJA must be held accountable for that money without delay,” he said in part of the statement.
Meanwhile, Buzeki has asked the county to stop intimidating parents who have insisted they will stage protests until they are refunded their money.
In recent engagements with the county leadership, the parents have maintained that they will settle on nothing but refunds.
However, there has been reports of some of the parents and activists being targeted by individuals suspected to be county enforcement officers.
“Both KOTI MOJA and MANDAGO must cease promoting thugs to intimidate parents who are rightfully demanding their rights. Allowing such behavior will only tarnish the reputation of UG county and diminish its value, making it an unattractive destination for Investors,” he said.
He added that, “No one should prevent parents from protesting for their rights. No one was willing to find a solution for them, which is why they took matters into their own hands.”
Parents are demanding a refund of about Ksh300 million.
EACC and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are already investigating the program.
Last week, Senator Mandago was grilled by the DCI at their headquarters in Nairobi.
They had earlier recorded statements from affected parents.
