Parents and students from the Finland-Canada scholarship saga in Uasin Gishu County have cancelled scheduled demonstrations for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The upset parents and students say they are doing so out of respect for President William Ruto, who is in the county to preside over the beginning of the 10th Annual Devolution Conference.

PHOTO | COURTESY Parents protesting

"Hatutakuwa na maandamano siku ya leo kwa sababu rais wa inchi atakuwa hapa na sisi kwa inchi atakuwa hapa na sisi." A parent, David Koskei, remarked, "Tunajua vizuri Uasin Gishu County ni nyumbani kwa rais mwenyewe, na kama rais anakuja hapa, lazima tupeane heshima."

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"So, we know his Excellency is aware of this, and we are urging him to rescue these parents and students because we have continued to suffer," said Kimutai Kirui, a human rights activist.

On the other hand, students in the education program begged the President to intercede and allow them to receive a refund. The county's Finland/Canada education program highlighted the leadership of the devolved unit.

PHOTO | COURTESY Governor Jonathan Bii 

At an Eldoret Social Hall meeting between Governor Jonathan Bii and Senator Jackson Mandago, who formerly served as county governor, parents and students chastised county authorities for alleged program mismanagement.

During the meeting, an enraged student who was a victim of the scandal reprimanded the leaders for arriving late at the meeting they called to discuss the issue. She accused the leaders of constantly lying to them about when the scholarships would be available.

The young lady stated that all of the politicians' children had migrated to Australia or Europe, adding that the politicians have given their children a head start while the children of the poor continue to live in abject poverty.

PHOTO | COURTESY Mercy Tarus and Senator Mandago

Last month, Governor Jonathan Bii distanced himself from the Finland scholarship fee payment controversy, saying that former governor Jackson Mandago (now a senator in Uasin Gishu) should come forward and explain what transpired.

Last week, senator Mandago was grilled by the DCI over the scholarship scandal.

I have today recorded my statement at the @DCI_Kenya (Kiambu Road) on the Finland and Canada overseas education program.