The Nation (Nairobi)
Kenneth Ogosia and Muna Wahome
4 November 2009
Nairobi — Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi on Wednesday surrendered his official Mercedes Benz a week after he vowed not to return it.
The vehicle, an S Class 280 model, was returned to the chief mechanical and transport engineer at 7.30am.
Mr Mudavadi, who is also the Local Government minister, together with Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang', last week opposed the directive to surrender the high engine capacity vehicles.
Records at Treasury show that Mr Kajwang' also returned a Mercedes Benz, GK 829 G, but the ministerial inspection and acceptance committee is investigating details and whereabouts of the second vehicle he vowed not to surrender.
Mr Mudavadi had questioned the directive issued by Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta requiring ministers and permanent secretaries to surrender their luxury vehicles.
He called for a review of the order because some ministers needed four-wheel-drive cars to inspect projects in areas with rough terrain.
According to Mr Mudavadi, the government directive does not make sense since the luxury vehicles are not meant for personal use. Mr Kajwang', on his part, said: "I still have the car with me. But this is a small matter, and for me not to return it I will not be breaking any law."
The government opted for Volkswagen Passat vehicles after the Ministry of Public Works said the Mercedes Benz was more costly and more expensive to service after a survey.
Information gathered by the ministry's chief mechanical engineer and seen by the Nation shows that the Passat is up to 50 per cent cheaper to service than the Mercedes Benz.
Treasury, in the last Budget, ordered that 129 Mercedes Benz cars with engine capacity of more than 1800cc used by ministers, assistants ministers and permanent secretaries be returned.
Some 91 vehicles had been surrendered by midday on Wednesday and exchanged with Passats of under 1800cc, with more expected to be returned.
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