A Nakuru court has issued a stern warning to Mercy Tarus against discussing the ongoing Ksh1.1 billion Finland and Canada Education Programme scandal with the media.
Nakuru Senior Magistrate Peter Ndege cautioned Tarus, a witness in the case, that commenting on its merits and demerits could result in penal action, including a jail term.
The magistrate stressed that the court process must appear fair and transparent.
The case involves Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei who are accused of misappropriating the funds.
Hon Ndege riticized Tarus for publicly implying Mandago’s guilt in her social media posts and videos, warning her not to obstruct justice by using mainstream or social media to discuss the case.
Tarus, who has been vocal about the scandal, appeared in court today after being summoned for contempt of court.
Though she denied discussing the case in the media, defence lawyers Fidel Limo, Stephen Kibungei, and Elijah Kibet presented evidence, including a one-hour video of her media interviews and a Twitter post.
The video showed Tarus claiming no funds were sent to Canada, a statement disputed by Kibungei, who pointed out conflicting witness testimony in court.
In her defence, Tarus argued she did not mention any specific names and had no ill intent.
She apologized for any statements interpreted as prejudicial to the court and pleaded for leniency.
The magistrate acknowledged that the claims against Tarus were valid but took her remorse into consideration.
The case will be mentioned on October 16, with hearings scheduled for December 2
