Witnesses risk jail for discussing Sh1b fraud case on social media

Mercy Tarus, a witness in the Finland and Canada scholarships scandal. [File, Standard]

A Nakuru court has warned a woman who has been commenting on social media about the ongoing Sh1.1 billion Finland and Canada education programme case to desist from doing so

Senior Magistrate Peter Ndege cautioned Mercy Tarus and other witnesses against discussing the case or face jail term.

Ndege issued the orders in the case facing Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei.

“The court bars Tarus and any other witness from discussing the case either spoken or written with a view to scandalise the judicial authority,” ruled Ndege.

He warned Tarus not to obstruct the wheels of justice by using mainstream media and social media to discuss the case.

According to Ndege, the court process must seem fair and transparent, and Tarus was wrong by determining that Mandago was guilty and should be jailed in her posts and videos.

‘‘Of what need will the court exist if cases before it are not respected? I hereby warn you that there will be serious consequences if you make statements that are prejudicial to the case,” ruled Ndege.