Investigating officer grilled over Sh1.1 billion Finland-Canada programme

Investigating officer grilled over Sh1.1 billion Finland-Canada programme. [Courtesy]

The investigating officer in the Sh1.1 billion Finland and Canada Education Programme was interrogated yesterday over alleged “shoddy” investigations.

Chief Inspector Martin Munene was questioned on how he arrived at the Sh1.1 billion figure in the case against Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei.

Munene admitted that investigations showed 188 students lost Sh179 million but produced no evidence supporting the full Sh1.1 billion. He explained that the figure represented total funds deposited by students and parents.

Munene testified that the programme, run to appear as a county initiative, involved a bank account operated by trustees, including Rono, Joseph Maritim, and Joel Ruto.

He charged Rono and Lelei with stealing Sh26.56 million and Sh4.82 million, despite failing to link the withdrawals to their personal accounts. He admitted not conducting forensic audits or interviewing students or the Finnish university, and that refunds issued were not factored into his calculations.

He produced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Uasin Gishu County and Tampere University, confirming that both Mandago and his successor, Jonathan Bii, signed it.

Munene did not charge Bii, stating Mandago initiated the programme. Some alleged trustees, including Dr Joel Chelule and Susan Keino, denied involvement. Munene submitted a scanned copy of Keino’s signature for forensic examination instead of the original and could not explain why he relied on it.

He also acknowledged that both Keino and Chelule’s son benefited from the programme, despite denying trustee roles.

Munene admitted that only trustees could access the bank account and that the county government was aware but not directly involved. He also noted several unexplained withdrawals, overpayments, and double payments to universities, yet did not adjust the alleged losses.

Parents testified that some received refunds, but Munene said he was unaware. He further admitted he did not travel to Finland or confirm whether the programme was a sham.

The case will be mentioned on February 16 for highlighting of submissions.