20 Kenyan MPs in Russia to Watch World Cup on Taxpayers' Bill

At least 20 Kenyan Members of Parliament are currently in Russia to watch the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament on taxpayers' bill.

The Star reports that the 20 include 14 members of the National Assembly and six Senators. They traveled to Moscow in two groups on July 2nd and 5th and will return to the country after the conclusion of the world's most famous sporting event on July 15th.

The MPs are drawn from Parliament's Committee on Sports, Labour and Social Welfare and Parliament's football Club, Bunge FC.

Among those in the delegation are MPs Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town) who chairs the Sports committee, Wafula Wamunyinyi ( Kanduyi), Sylvanus Maritim (Ainamoi), and Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay).

Others are Senators Cleopha Malala (Kakamega), James Orengo (Siaya) Aaron Cheruyiot ( Kericho), Judy Pareno (Nominated) and Millicent Omanga (nominated). Parliament said the trip is official and acts as a benchmarking tour for the Parliamentarians.

“It is their responsibility to understand sports, how to host such international tournaments. This is not a holiday and it is too simplistic to look at it as a joyrider mission,” said Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye who is also the CEO of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC.

“From where we stand, this is official business, only that it is happening in Russia. Had it been happening in Somalia or even Uasin Gishu county, we would still have a team there,” he said.

Due to the heavy demand as a result of the tournament, a flight ticket from Nairobi to Russian capital Moscow is going at around $4,000 (Sh400,000), translating to at least Sh8 million for the 20 MP's airfare. They are also entitled to daily allowance, accommodation and food.

Contacted for a comment, Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Achesa said no officials from his ministry traveled to Russia.

"We were invited but opted out. It is too expensive and a waste of money, " he said, adding that it would have cost the taxpayers about Sh3.8 million if he had traveled. 

Interestingly, no Kenyan professional footballer was sponsored to the event even as Kenya continues to record poor performances on the international stage.