Lawyer Miguna Miguna has criticized National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah over his remarks regarding the security and travel arrangements of Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua.
A section of Members of Parliament (MPs) questioned the allocation of funds to Gachagua’s office after he boarded a commercial plane to Mombasa.
Responding to these issues, Ichung’wah dismissed Gachagua’s decision to use Kenya Airways (KQ) and even carry his own luggage while boarding the flight on June 11, 2024.
The Kikuyu MP explained that only President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto are allowed to use military choppers.
He said Gachagua had been assigned a police chopper, which was still under maintenance, hence he opted for private choppers.
“Is the deputy president entitled to use the military aircraft? I did engage the Cabinet Secretary for Defence. He asserted that only the president as the commander in chief and the first lady have access to military aircraft. The deputy president has a police aircraft which is currently under maintenance,” said Ichung’wah.
However, Miguna stated that Ichung’wah misled the country with his explanation on the individuals allowed to use military choppers.
Also Read: Moses Kuria Praises Gachagua Amid Fallout with Ruto
Miguna Responds
Miguna questioned how the DP is blocked from using KDF aircraft while several Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) use them.
“We cannot allow Ichung’wah to stand up in Parliament and lie to the country that military aircraft are reserved for the President and First Lady only when we have all seen MP Oscar Sudi and many CSs, PSs and other politicians use military helicopters as matatus around the country. We must build a country of values, not lies,” Miguna said.
Additionally, Ichung’wah emphasized that the DP’s office had enough security personnel to protect him and help him carry out his duties.
“On matters touching on security, the Deputy President was also very well secured yesterday, and I can confirm that to the country.
He had with him not less than 19 bodyguards, 14 of whom he was to travel with on that aircraft therefore he had no problem of people to carry his bags,” he said.
Also Read: “14 Bodyguards”- Ichung’wah Shares Details of Crew That Accompanied Gachagua in KQ Flight
Ruto- Gachagua Travel Comparison
The MP noted that even President Ruto used commercial flights when he was serving as the deputy president.
He argued that even President Ruto himself boarded a commercial flight on his recent trip to and from South Korea.
“I have witnessed other holders of that office; our current President William Ruto use not just Kenya Airways. When he was DP, William Ruto travelled not just on Kenya Airways but used Jambo Jet to Mombasa, to Eldoret and he has used Skyward, Renegade and even Safarilink to the Maasai Mara,” said Ichung’wah.
The debate came after the DP was captured on camera at JKIA carrying a blue suitcase while taking a commercial flight to Mombasa.
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