Speaker Muturi defends MPs trip to watch World Cup in Russia

Speaker Muturi defends MPs trip to watch World Cup in Russia

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has defended the controversial trip made by at least 20 Members of Parliament who flew to Russia last week to watch the 2018 World Cup.

Speaking to Citizen TV on Thursday, Muturi indicated that the government-funded trip was a bench marking exercise by members of the parliamentary Sports and Culture Committee as well as Bunge FC — the members of parliament football team.

The Sports Ministry also sponsored six MPs to travel to Russia for the games.

According to the BBC, Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa said the six traveled to Moscow to help understand how to organise such big events.

Speaker Muturi said the legislators, who will be in Russia until the end of the tournament on Sunday, July 15 are expected to compile a report and table in parliament upon their return.

“Yes, some members have gone to Russia to watch the World Cup as members of the sports and culture committee, as well as Bunge FC. It’s not a bad thing. But they must prepare a report when they come back and table it in parliament. That’s the standard procedure,” said Muturi.

Photos of the legislators having a good time in Russia emerged causing outrage with Kenyans on social media terming the trip as a waste of taxpayers money.

While parliamentarians have previously attended international sports competitions at the taxpayers’ expense, it is the perception that little is gained from these trips that is raising eyebrows.

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russia Speaker Justin Muturi 2018 world cup

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