Parents from Uasin Gishu County decided to suspend their ongoing protests over the Finland and Canada scholarship saga.
The decision was reached as a mark of respect for President William Ruto, who is set to attend a three-day Devolution Conference at the Eldoret Sports Club.
The parents believe this gesture will encourage a faster resolution to their demands.
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago. He is also the county’s former Governor. An arrest warrant has been issued out for him in relation to the scholarship saga going on in the county. Photo| Courtesy.
The controversy arose from a scholarship issue that resulted in the loss of approximately Ksh 300 million for the parents. Consequently, the parents had planned to disrupt the ongoing Devolution Conference. The protestors initial plan was to stage daily demonstrations outside Eldoret Sports Club.
One of the affected parents expressed that the suspension of the protests was a show of goodwill toward President Ruto.
“We believe that the President will address our suffering when he takes the podium. As parents and children, we are suffering since we sold our property for a journey that has never been.”
Mr. Kiptek
It’s worth noting that the parents have set a clear deadline for the Uasin Gishu County Government to address their grievances. They have granted a one-week window after the Devolution conference for a full refund of their money.
Eldoret based Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui applauded the decision.
“Let’s give dialogue a chance and we will back parents in demonstrating if the county fails to honor the one-week ultimatum. The County Government has agreed to refund the money and we hope the process is expedited.”
As the conference continues, all eyes are on President Ruto to acknowledge the parents’ suspension of protests and use it as an opportunity to expedite the refund process.
The decision has sparked optimism among the affected families, who are looking forward to a positive outcome.
