'I Don't Care!' Parent Loses Temper in Court Over Sh1B Education Scam

A witness was briefly removed from the courtroom and convicted of contempt on Friday after an emotional outburst during a hearing in the Sh1.1 billion Finland and Canada education programme case at the Nakuru Law Courts.

The incident occurred during the testimony of Christopher Rotich, a parent who claims to have lost Sh1.17 million in the failed overseas education scheme. The case involves Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei, who are accused of mismanaging funds collected from parents under the pretext of sponsoring students to study abroad.

Rotich became visibly agitated while testifying and clashed with defence lawyer Stephen Kibungei during cross-examination. He accused the accused persons of stealing the money and repeatedly refused to answer questions, including those concerning his son’s age and the financial arrangements he made.

Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndege issued multiple warnings as Rotich continued to disregard the court’s instructions. The situation escalated when Rotich shouted, “I do not care. Arrest me and put me inside!” He was then ordered out of the courtroom and the session was briefly adjourned.

When proceedings resumed, Rotich was placed in the dock and convicted of criminal contempt for his conduct. He immediately apologised and pledged to cooperate with the court. Magistrate Ndege accepted the apology and discharged him, allowing the trial to continue.

The case centres on a county-sponsored education initiative that allegedly saw millions of shillings collected from families with the promise of securing placements for their children in universities in Finland and Canada. Many parents say the programme lacked transparency and that they have received no refunds or clear communication since the plan collapsed.