President William Ruto's joint address with Finnish President Alexander Stubb during a state visit media engagement at State House, Nairobi, took a slightly awkward turn when the two leaders were asked to comment on the fate of hundreds of students who fell victim to a scheme involving Kenyan officials while applying for scholarships. The standoff began when NMG's Steve Otieno rose to ask what the position of the Finnish government was on the matter that has been the subject of media headlines, with a majority of students at the centre of the scheme yet to access justice. Stubb, while responding to the matter, instead gave a vague and noncommittal answer, stating, "Anytime there are delays in students entering Finland, I find that very unfortunate.
Fortunately, we have many universities with very good programmes, and we hope that many of them will be attracted as well." He avoided addressing the alleged involvement of Kenyan officials or providing clarity on whether affected students would receive support or redress.
President William Ruto shares a light moment with visiting Finland counterpart Alexander Stubb at State House in Nairobi on May 12, 2025.
PCS President Ruto, on his end, also followed a similar path, only pointing out that the government was on the case. According to Ruto, the government officials at the centre of the investigations are currently undergoing accountability mechanisms. ''It was a very unfortunate occurrence, and I am very happy to state that some of the officials involved in the fiasco are undergoing accountability mechanisms to ensure that whoever was responsible is held to account,'' Ruto stated.
