The controversial Sh48 Billion Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) weapons deal between Kenya and the US has taken an interesting twist following the ongoing deliberations at the American Congress.
Three Republican members of the US House of Representatives declared their support for the deal, which was questioned and brought to the House by one of their colleague, Congressman Tedd Budd, for deliberations.
Budd, who represents the 13th District of North Carolina, argued that the deal was overpriced and Kenya was able to get a similar one for less than Sh28 billion.
However, congressmen - Bill Flores, Jodey Arrington and John Ratcliffe - dismissed Budd's allegations noting that there was 'no evidence to support his allegations that the acquisition was conducted inappropriately'.
In a joint letter to Vice Admiral Joseph Rixey, director of the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, the trio stated that they supported the Sh43 Billion deal that would empower Kenya in the fight against terror group Al Shabaab.
As per the deal, a US company known as L-3 Communications was awarded the contract, to produce 12 aircraft (Air Tractor AT-802L aircraft) among other weapons intended to bolster KDF’s campaign against terrorism.
Budd rejected this deal highlighting that it was done without competitive bidding to the company, which, according to him “had no experience or track record producing this kind of aircraft.”
“We need to ensure that Kenya, a long-time ally, is getting a fair deal, and that veteran-owned small businesses in our state aren’t getting shut out of competition because of government favouritism towards giant contractors,” the congressman declared.
The three Republican legislators, who all represent districts in Texas - the state where L3 operates a plant that manufactures these types of planes in partnership with Air Tractor - have taken the debate in a new direction following their support.
Read Also: Uhuru’s Classmate Flies to the US to Testify in Sh48 Billion KDF Weapons Scandal
