We Want Our Money Back- Mercy Tarus To Uasin Gishu Leaders After Viral Confrontation

Tarus expressed that her parents were very proud of her act of courage, especially since they are the ones who contributed money to her education.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Aug 9, 2023 - 14:32 Updated: Aug 9, 2023 - 14:32
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We Want Our Money Back- Mercy Tarus To Uasin Gishu Leaders After Viral Confrontation
Mercy Tarus speaking during a baraza convened by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii. /TWITTER.ALINUR MOHAMED

Mercy Tarus a graduate of Kabarak University who drew nationwide praise over her hard-hitting speech to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, his deputy John Barorot, and Senator Jackson Mandago, explained why she was pained by the abuse of Ksh50 million meant to facilitate the airlift of students to study in Finland and Canada.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, August 9, Tarus expressed that her parents were very proud of her act of courage, especially since they are the ones who contributed money to her education.

“My dad told me he has a soldier in the house. My mom had not seen the video until Tuesday morning. She said I spoke for the youth and should continue,” the 24-year-old hairdresser remarked.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii (left), Senator Jackson Mandago (right) and a student speaking during a meeting with Uasin Gishu leaders. /VIRALTEAKE

She added that the family took loans to pay nearly Ksh1 million to Uasin Gishu County to facilitate her studies abroad, but lamented that the county government had lied to her.

Tarus accordingly stated that she works in a salon during the week and sells porridge on weekends to make ends meet.

“This is like highway robbery in broad daylight and then they use government protection,” she said without fear of the consequences of her viral speech.

“There are two loans that she (mother) is paying for and she cannot be able to secure another loan."

Tarus added that she had expected the county government to refund the money when she went to the meeting which was convened by Governor Bii.

After her viral speech, she demanded the county leaders to refund their money, and implored President William Ruto to intervene in the matter so that the residents get justice before more consequences manifest.

“I want the leaders to return our money, we have heard stories and we are now tired. I want to appeal to His Excellency, the President, to fight for us. Uasin Gishu is burning, we are suffering, we are depressed, we want our money,” Tarus said.

“This government was meant for the hustlers, I saved up money from selling porridge and mandazi, so I could create a better life for myself. Please, Rais, don't be silent, we voted for you, fight for us."

Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, who was the governor when the airlift program was mooted, however, attributed the failure of the initiative to a delay in payments by parents, adding that following delays in payment of school fees for the already enrolled students, county officials were forced to use money paid by students who were yet to join.

He argued that the University of Finland had threatened to terminate the programme. This is as the county government had announced that it has no money to refund the affected parents claiming they found a mere Ksh1.8 million in the scholarship account. 

“I could not have started this programme with bad intentions. I started it because I believed it was going to transform lives,” said Mandago, with Bii at some point seeming to distance himself from the saga as tempers flared up at the County Hall.

“When I took over, this scholarship programme was already in place and when questions cropped up, I had to call my predecessor who came up with the initiative to shed light. I can’t carry all the blame,” said Bii as Mandago watched.

The bold Uasin Gishu student, who consequently made the term 'Generation Z' trend all over social media, led parents and students to stage demonstrations on Wednesday over the matter after securing a police permit to demonstrate in Eldoret town.

The Ethic and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is expected to issue a comprehensive report on the Finland airlift programme in Uasin Gishu after detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched investigations into the matter. 

Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago makes opening remarks at the start of meeting on Monday, August 7, 2023. /THE STAR

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