Deputy President William Ruto’s chartered jet is marketed as one of the finest executive planes in its class, complete with an office, catering facilities, a bed and a lounge for relaxing.
By CAROLINE WAFULA cwafula@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Tuesday, May 21 2013 at 22:30
Posted Tuesday, May 21 2013 at 22:30
IN SUMMARY
- Ugenya MP David Ouma asked why it was necessary to hire a jet for Mr Ruto, and why he could not use the plane that was used by former vice-president Kalonzo Musyoka.
- Jubilee’s Rachael Shebesh (Nairobi Women’s Representative), however, said it would be important for MPs to understand the role of the President and the deputy.
Deputy President William Ruto’s recent visit to West and Central African countries has sparked controversy in the National Assembly and an audit will be carried out.
Some MPs are demanding a scrutiny of the visit to see if it was necessary and its exact cost to the taxpayer.
The investigation will seek to establish why it was necessary to hire a plane for Mr Ruto and how much it cost to take the delegation that was with him.
Tuesday, lawmakers demanded a statement from Majority Leader Aden Duale, even as sources indicated that the newly constituted Public Accounts Committee would make it a first task of their business.
Ugenya MP David Ouma asked why it was necessary to hire a jet for Mr Ruto, and why he could not use the plane that was used by former vice-president Kalonzo Musyoka.
He demanded a list of the people who travelled with the Deputy President and how much they were paid as daily allowances during the trip. The lawmaker wants an audit of the overall cost of the trip.
Jubilee’s Rachael Shebesh (Nairobi Women’s Representative), however, said it would be important for MPs to understand the role of the President and the deputy.
Ms Shebesh said that there was a difference in the roles of the Vice-President in previous governments and the deputy in the current administration.
She said the National Assembly should be supplied with information on whether those accompanying Mr Ruto on the trip were given clearance before travelling.
Mr Ruto visited Ghana, Algeria, Congo, Nigeria and Gabon.
Sources indicated that some members of the newly constituted Public Accounts Committee were compiling vital documents to assist in the investigation.
First instalment
Mr Ruto has denied that the plane he hired from VistaJet cost taxpayers a Sh100 million.
He said in response through Information permanent secretary Bitange Ndemo that the trip cost Sh18.5 million.
However, the Nation has documents showing that an invoice demanding settlement of the first instalment of the “quarterly payment” for the Bombardier 850 Challenger plane was lodged last Wednesday.
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