In the wake of the Anti-Finance Bill protests, MPs have been in the spotlight over their opulent lifestyles, with the call by Kenyans to live within their means as championed by President William Ruto.
Among those parliamentarians is Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa who purchased a Kshs 120 million helicopter in late 2023.
MP Didmus Barasa bought a brand new Robinson R66 civil helicopter, from JAG Helicopters Sdn Bhd, an exclusive Robinson Helicopter distributor in Malaysia and Indonesia and was shipped from Subang in West Java, Indonesia, to Nairobi at Wilson Airport.
In a commercial invoice shared online, the MP parted with $760,000, an equivalent of Ksh121,220,000 at the exchange rate in December 2023.
The helicopter is a popular make, preferred for its cost-effectiveness in purchase price, maintenance and operating costs, sleek design, and versatility of use such as private transport, charter services, aerial tours, and law enforcement among others.
The aircraft is powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 Turbine engine, which provides better performance, reliability, and efficiency compared to piston engines found in some other helicopters.
This sets it apart as an all-in-one chopper for various applications ranging from private, commercial, and utility operations.
The aircraft has a five-seat capacity, offering seating for the pilot and four other passengers.
It has a spacious cabin equipped with modern avionics, including a glass cockpit option, GPS, and navigation aids for improved flight safety and ease of operation. It also has a dedicated cargo compartment that allows for the transportation of luggage or equipment.
The chopper has a sleek look, made with a streamlined aerodynamic frame that contributes to fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability. In addition, it features a sturdy rotor system that ensures that the flight experience is stable and comfortable.
The R66 is small but mighty, with a high cruise speed of up to 140 mph (225 km/h) with a range of approximately 350 miles (563 km).
Maintaining the chopper is relatively easy, as it is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, reducing overall maintenance costs compared to other turbine helicopters.
In case of emergency, the R66 has an optional emergency float system available for over-water operations for the safety of passengers.
The copter is easy to handle and rarely poses a challenge to both experienced and relatively new pilots owing to its user-friendly handling characteristics.
Barasa joined the ranks of affluent politicians such as Gideon Moi, Peter Kenneth, Raila Odinga and Ephraim Maina who all own helicopters.
