Questions Arise Over Insurance Sticker on Ruto's New Car

Questions have been raised about the ownership of President William Ruto's car after a photo of it during Jamhuri Day celebrations went viral.

In contrast to state-owned vehicles, the car bears a "third-party insurance" label on its windscreen. This label has sparked various assumptions on whether the State House is procuring rented or leased vehicles for state events. Notably, it is legally mandated under the Insurance (Motor Vehicles Third-Party Risks) Act that every automobile operating on Kenyan roads must be secured with third-party risk insurance coverage.

“No person shall use, or cause or permit any other person to use, a motor vehicle on a road unless there is in force in relation to the user of the vehicle by that person or that other person, as the case may be, such a policy of insurance or such a security in respect of third party risks as complies with the requirements of this Act,” the Act reads in part.

However, government-owned vehicles are exempt from this stipulation, with the sole exclusion being motor tractors and other vehicles predominantly utilized for agricultural pursuits. In 2012, there was a discussion about insuring state-owned vehicles. According to a recent disclosure by an unnamed government official, reputable insurance providers were to be utilized to underwrite the government's vehicles.

However, as confirmed by the same official, this plan was not executed. According to the Ministry official, none of the government vehicles possess any form of insurance coverage. Moreover, a high-ranking government official emphasizes that particular automobiles are rented, with the leasing company taking on full accountability for all matters, such as regular maintenance. As a result, in the absence of insurance, the government is not under any legal obligation to offer restitution in the event of a mishap.