Activist Mercy Tarus went from from being a key witness in the 1.1 Billion Finland scholarship scandal, which involves Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, to being charged with contempt of court.
Mercy Tarus has been vocal in several media interviews, expressing her frustrations about the Finland scholarship scandal. However, those very comments ended up landing her in trouble.
In these interviews, including the Iko Nini podcast, she spoke passionately about the case, but her words were interpreted as implying Senator Jackson Mandago’s guilt, before the Court passed judgement on the accused.
Tarus claimed that those responsible for the failed scholarship program, which left many students stranded, should be held accountable.
It was this interpretation that led to her being charged with contempt of court.
The defense replaying clips from her media appearances to support their case.
How much did Mrcy Tarus Contribute?
Mercy Tarus said she paid a total of one million shillings for the Finland scholarship program—first 600,000 shillings and then another 400,000 shillings. Unfortunately, she has not been able to travel.
Her father is sick with a disease that weakens his immune system, making his treatment costly. He had to borrow money to cover his medical expenses.
Tarus also noted most of the applicants who contributed money towards the scholarship did not travel. And she is frustrated because she believes her money was used to help others travel instead
Mercy Tarus on the Defense
Tarus argued that her statements were made out of anger and frustrations over the plight of the affected students and were not intended to influence the court proceedings
She insisted that her words had been taken out of context and that she never intended to influence the legal proceedings. Despite this, the court warned her that further comments outside the court could result in serious consequences.
The case has been rescheduled to continue in December, but this turn of events has placed Tarus in a precarious position.
Initially a victim and a voice for the students, she now faces the risk of legal penalties herself.
By Vivian K.
