Extravagance or justified chopper rides?
Two helicopters bearing a striking resemblance have been observed ferrying prominent Kajiado politicians to the remote area of Olkiramatian in Magadi ward within the past few weeks. The helicopters have been identified to be part of a fleet from a helicopter charter service that provides luxury air services at an average cost of 250 000 Kenya shillings per hour. One helicopter ferried the statehouse controller Katoo Ole Metito, who is also eyeing the coveted Kajiado county gubernatorial seat, and his political allies to a political event. Similarly, the other helicopter ferried Kajiado county governor Joseph Ole Lenku to a house warming party in the same area this week. The images of Lenku cutting a ribbon at the house warming party in Musenke village has caused backlash from a section of netizens who have expressed outrage over the flashy and extravagant lifestyle showcased by politicians at a time when many Kenyans are struggling to meet their basic needs. Musenke village which is located within Olkiramatian area in Kajiado county has 6 primary schools and 2 secondary schools. According to a teacher in the area, Olkiramatian is considered a hard to staff cluster because piped water, electricity and good roads are almost non existent. “Many teachers do not want to work in this area because of the many challenges especially water scarcity,” said the teacher who wished to remain anonymous. Olkiramatian residents depend on Nguruman area for food and other basic necessities or alternatively, Magadi or Kiserian towns which are kilometers away.
