MPs on Monday were shocked by the revelation that the Interior ministry bought four multi billion-shilling helicopters for the National Police Service without approval by the House.
The same was revealed when the Committee on Administration and National Security made an impromptu visit to the NPS Air wing in Nairobi.
The team chaired by Kiambaa MP Paul Koinange was told that the aircraft, valued at about Sh4 billion, will arrive from Italy on Tuesday.
Director Rogers Mbithi told the lawmakers that the helicopters will be received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
He said procurement was done by Interior PS Karanja Kibicho and the NPS led by Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet. The helicopters were bought from Augusta West-land Company.
“As Air-wing, we only gave specifications and left the rest to the ministry led by Fred Matiang’i and the National Police Service,” he said, adding that another two choppers will arrive at a later date.
Koinange said: “The committee was not informed. Members were surprised that aircraft can be bought without their knowledge. But we will follow up to the end.”
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Koinange questioned why police aircraft were being serviced by external agencies.
