We're Representing You, MPs Watching World Cup in Russia Tell Kenyans
Kenyan Members of Parliament who traveled to Russia to watch World Cup matches on taxpayers bill have come out to defend themselves in the backdrop of outrage from Kenyans.
More than 20 members of National Assembly and Senate are said to have flown to Moscow in the government-funded trip in what Speaker Justin Muturi described as a bench-marking tour.
The fact that no Kenyan footballer from the national team, Harambee Stars or local league was sponsored to attend the tournament is what angered most Kenyans.
Kenya has never qualified to play in the World Cup, neither is it any close to hosting an event of such magnitude due to lack of facilities. Earlier this year, Kenya lost an opportunity to hold Africa Junior Championship to Morocco due to lack of standard stadia.
However, the MPs who are in Russia maintained there is nothing wrong with their expensive trip that will cost millions of shillings in flight ticket, accommodation, food and allowances.
“I came at the start of the World Cup and it has been very nice. I came as I have been going for other World Cups, and I can tell you even if the Government were not pay for this one, I would pay!
“The question to ask is why I should pay using my money when I’m a member of parliament from Kenya,” Kaluma told Citizen TV.
“Here, people are asking why you didn’t use economy (class). Why should you use economy? You are representing the Government of Kenya, why should the Government be scrounging somewhere? What is the image of the country?”
Nyali MP Mohammed Ali said it was unfortunate that the trip has been coined to appear as if the legislators looted public cash to travel to Russia.
“Serikali inajua kuwepo kwetu hapa Russia, kwa hivo hakuna mtu amevuja pesa. Wakati unasema pesa zimechezewa inamaanisha mtu amechukua pesa kwa njia mbaya au amejiweka katika safari kwa njia isyofaa ili aweze kufaidika na jambo fulani (The Government knows that we are in Russia, so no one has misappropriated money. When you say someone is playing around money, you mean a person has taken money illegally or has imposed himself into a journey so that he benefits in a way,” defended Ali.
MP Kaluma said there's nothing wrong with them representing Kenya in such a big event and accused the media of sensationalising the issue.
“World Cup is such a big event that Kenya must be represented, and are doing very well. The Media is just diverting attention of Kenyans from what is important,” he added.
Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi said Kenyans' have a culture of complaining about leaders even when they're on an important task abroad.
“This number is not big, lets appreciate. We should not be looking to blame all the time when members go out even on official important functions, diverting attention from the real issues in the country,” the veteran politician offered.
Other legislators in Russia include Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen and Minority Leader of the house James Orengo.