Mudavadi queries cars directive

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi enters his Mercedes Benz during the launch of the Local Authorities Provident Fund in Nairobi on Friday. Photo/JAMES NJUGUNA

What you need to know:

  • Revise order as some ministers need big vehicles for rough terrain, says leader

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi on Friday questioned the directive by Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta requiring ministers and permanent secretaries to surrender their fuel-guzzling vehicles.

Mr Mudavadi, who is also the Local Government minister, called for a review of the order as the head of Public Service Francis Muthaura summoned all permanent secretaries to a meeting on Monday to discuss the new transport policy.

By Friday evening, the deadline for surrendering the fuel-guzzling vehicles, 24 ministers out of 42, 22 assistant ministers and 27 permanent secretaries had returned their vehicles.

Returned vehicles

Ministers who returned their vehicles on Friday were Prof George Saitoti (Internal Security), Ms Charity Ngilu (Water), Mr Soita Shitanda (Housing), Mr Dalmas Otieno (Public Service), Mr William Ruto (Agriculture), Ms Esther Murugi (Gender), Dr Mohamed Kuti (Livestock), Mr John Munyes (Labour), Mr Moses Wetang’ula (Foreign Affairs) and Mr Samuel Poghisio (Information).

Those who have not returned are Mr Mudavadi (Local Government), Prof Anyang’ Nyongo (Medical Services), Mr Amos Wako (Attorney-General), Dr Paul Otuoma (Fisheries), Mr Mohamed Elmi (Northern Kenya), Dr Naomi Shaban (Special Programmes), Mr Wycliffe Oparanya (Planning), Mr Kiraitu Murungi (Energy), Mr Amason Kingi (East African Cooperation), Dr Noah Wekesa ( Forestry), Mr Chris Obure (Public Works), Mr Fred Gumo (Regional Development Authorities), Prof Sam Ongeri (Education) and Mr Otieno Kajwang (Immigration).

According to Mr Mudavadi, the government directive did not make sense since the luxury vehicles were not meant for personal use.

“We use them while on our official duties,” said Mr Mudavadi while fielding questions from journalists.

Mr Mudavadi spoke at the Bomas of Kenya when he presided over the launch of a new strategic plan for the Local Authorities Provident Fund. And the minister was non-committal on whether he would comply with the directive to surrender his Mercedes Benz.

“I still have the car with me. But this is a small matter and for me not to return it, I will not be breaking any law,” he said as he responded to a question.

Mr Kajwang’ vowed not to return his car and questioned the rationale behind the policy.

The deputy Prime Minister said that the government should have considered some ministers who usually have to visit areas with rough terrain.
Counterparts

“We cannot use small cars like a Passat,” he said. “Some of us are expected to inspect local authorities in areas with rough terrain like Isiolo or Wajir. I can’t go there in a Passat,” he added.

He gave examples of his counterparts in Agriculture and Education, saying they also find themselves navigating similar rough terrains and flood-prone areas like Budalang’i or Tana River.

He questioned why heads of State corporations were not required to abide by the directive.

Mr Muthaura’s summons were contained in letter to the officers signed by his deputy, Mr Sam Mwale.

The meeting is likely to come out with ways of dealing with ministers who have not complied with the new policy, which bans vehicles of more than 1800cc.