Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has urged victims of the controversial Finland and Canada education programme to remain hopeful despite the court's decision to acquit Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and his co-accused in the high-profile case.

Speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Ngetich said the acquittal has left many parents and students who lost millions of shillings with unanswered questions about the fate of their money and the justice they had anticipated.

He noted that the case was instituted following investigations conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), whose findings were forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for approval of criminal charges.

According to the activist, while the court exercised its constitutional mandate independently, the ruling has sparked concerns over the outcome of investigations into one of the country's most publicized education scandals.

Ngetich questioned what became of evidence that investigators said linked the suspects to the alleged offences and whether all facts surrounding the movement of funds were fully interrogated during the trial. He argued that victims deserve clarity on how the money was lost and who should ultimately bear responsibility.

He maintained that the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy respects the independence of the Judiciary and remains committed to the rule of law, but stressed that respect for court decisions should not prevent citizens from demanding accountability from public institutions.

The activist also raised concerns over the quality of investigations and prosecution, saying Kenyans deserve to know whether investigators and prosecutors presented sufficient evidence before the court or whether there were shortcomings in the handling of the case.

Ngetich further argued that court decisions should provide clear guidance for victims, especially in cases involving significant public interest and financial losses. He said many affected families now feel abandoned because the ruling did not, in their view, offer a practical path toward recovering the funds allegedly lost.

Calling the judgment a matter of significant public concern, he announced plans to push for a parliamentary inquiry into the handling of the case. He said such an inquiry should examine the professionalism of investigators, the prosecution team, and the overall management of the case to establish whether justice was adequately pursued.

He emphasized that the proposed inquiry would not be aimed at assigning blame but at obtaining answers for the affected parents and students, many of whom continue to suffer financial and emotional hardship.

Ngetich also appealed to leaders from Uasin Gishu County—including the governor, senator, Members of Parliament and Members of the County Assembly—to engage with the affected families and support efforts aimed at finding lasting solutions.

He concluded by warning that history would judge leaders harshly if the concerns of the victims are ignored, insisting that every criminal investigation involving substantial public funds should end with a satisfactory explanation for those affected.

The acquittal of Senator Jackson Mandago and his co-accused has generated mixed reactions across the country, with supporters welcoming the court's verdict while victims and civil society groups continue to demand accountability and answers over the millions of shillings lost in the Finland and Canada education programme.