Office of the Prime Minister

RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS ON PROCUREMENT OF A VEHICLE FOR THE PRIME MINISTER

1.0 On 15th May 2012, Honourable Odonga Otto (M.P. Aruu County) made three allegations to the Press that:

(i) The Prime Minister diverted PRDP funds to purchase a vehicle (Mercedez Benz) for his official use.

(ii) The vehicle cost over Shs.600million/=.

(iii) It was unnecessary to buy another vehicle since the one he inherited was still below five years technically approved to regard the vehicle old.

2.0 I would like to respond to the above allegations as follows:

(i) It is not true that funds to purchase the vehicle was diverted from the PRDP. PRDP funds are released directly to Districts and other implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies on the basis of workplans developed and prioritized.

(ii) The vehicle did not cost Shs.600million/= as alleged.

(iii) Contrary to what was alleged that the inherited vehicle is not yet five years old; the vehicle in fact is nine years old because it was purchased in the year 2003 and registered in 2004. It was becoming uneconomical because it was breaking down frequently.

3.0 For avoidance of doubt, let me also state as follows:

(i) The Prime Minister is entitled to two chauffer driven vehicles. One Saloon vehicle for town running and a Station Wagon for upcountry travel. He is also entitled to a lead Police car.

(ii) The purchase of the vehicle was done through the normal PPDA procurement process.

(iii) Ministry of Public Service approved the cubic capacity of the vehicle in question.

(iv) The contract was cleared by the Solicitor General.

(v) The Ministry of Works and Transport certified compliance with the specifications.

PERMANENT SECRETARY, OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER.