Kenyan MPs' trip to World Cup provokes outrage

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‍A trip by Kenyan deputies to the World Cup in Russia has provoked outrage at home, with people slamming the cost of the journey, paid for by taxpayers, while the government has justified it as official business.

The scandal erupted after some of the legislators posted selfies on social media of themselves enjoying matches in Russia.

The Star daily newspaper reported that around 20 MPs had traveled to Russia at the beginning of the month and were expected to attend Sunday's final.

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The cost of accommodation, per diems and match tickets was being footed by the government, it said, estimating the total cost at around 450,000 US dollars (385,000 euros).

By comparison, the minimum wage in Kenya is between 120 and 280 US dollars per month.

Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye said the trip as "official business," according to The Star.

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"It is their responsibility to understand sports, how to host such international tournaments. This is not a holiday and it is too simplistic to look at it as a joyrider mission," he was cited as saying.

Kenya's Harambee Stars have never reached the World Cup finals, and have not qualified for any major international tournament since the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kenya's lawmakers are among the highest paid in the world and have often rubbed public opinion up the wrong way notably over their salary demands.

(Cover: People walk past a billboard displaying World Cup stars in Nairobi, Kenya, June 9, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP