Police airwing director was left out in Sh900m helicopter deal
A Kenya Police helicopter. The police airwing director was left out in the recent purchase of a Sh900 million helicopter and spare parts for the force. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The 22-seater helicopter was brought from Pretoria and was imported from Advanced Aviation Logistics South Africa Ltd.
Locked out. - On March 20 last year, the National Police Service Commission appointed Mr John Patrick Owino as the director.
- Mr Rodgers Mbithi, whose contract has since expired, was appointed the deputy director on December 16.
The police airwing director was left out in the recent purchase of a Sh900 million helicopter and spare parts for the force.
The National Police Service bought the second-hand AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter from Everett Aviation, but investigations show the amount used was enough to buy a new aircraft.
Details of another MI-17 helicopter worth Sh900 million, brought to the Wilson Airport on April 30, just a few days after police cancelled a tender for the purchase of five helicopters and the refurbishing of three others, have remained scanty.
The 22-seater helicopter was brought from Pretoria and was imported from Advanced Aviation Logistics South Africa Ltd.
Locked out
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and Principal Secretary Monica Juma are expected to appear before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee this week to explain the inconsistencies.
DELIBERATELY LOCKED OUT
Although the National Police Service Airwing has a director, sources say he was deliberately locked out of the procurement.
On March 20 last year, the National Police Service Commission appointed Mr John Patrick Owino as the director.
Mr Rodgers Mbithi, whose contract has since expired, was appointed the deputy director on December 16.
The findings of at least four other investigations are also yet to be released.
One of the cases being investigated is the purchase of faulty equipment last year.
On July 14 last year, the airwing imported defective equipment used in indicating the height of an airborne aircraft.
This led to at least three aborted flights.
FLIGHT CANCELLED
One of the flights had to be cancelled when a senior government official was already on board, prompting the investigations.
Police bought the altitude indicator, also known as gyro horizon, for an MI-17 helicopter.
The equipment is used to inform the pilot of the orientation of the aircraft relative to the earth’s horizon.
Initially, two sets were bought but one did not work.
It was returned for repair, but a different one — with a different serial number — was brought. It also did not work and police had to order a third one at a cost.
It was also not clear whether the amount reflected on a proforma invoice issued on May 26, 2014 was the same amount that was paid.
