The ghosts of the Finland airlift scandal are back in the dock. The high-profile fraud case against Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and other county officials has resumed at the Nakuru Law Courts, with victims hoping for closure to a saga that dashed the dreams of hundreds of students.

Mandago and his co-accused face charges of conspiracy to steal over Sh1.1 billion meant for overseas education. Parents who sold land and livestock to fund their children’s education have camped outside the court, demanding refunds. "We want our money, not excuses," shouted a parent during the proceedings. "Our children are depressed at home while they walk free."

Following the Money

The prosecution is set to present bank officials who will trace the paper trail of the funds. The state alleges the money was diverted from the trust fund to private accounts. The case is a litmus test for the government’s commitment to fighting graft, especially when it involves senior political figures allied to the ruling coalition.