No political gimmicks, Ruto bus was paid in full last year, Isuzu speaks about Kianjai Girls bus

Isuzu East Africa now says a school bus donated to Kianjai Girls’ Secondary School by Deputy President William Ruto was fully paid for in December 2020, contrary to recent media reports that the vehicle manufacturer repossessed the bus over unsettled balance.

Dancan Muhindi, the Communications Manager of Isuzu East Africa, said in a statement on Wednesday, March 17 that the bus, donated to Kianjai Girls’ Secondary School on March 6, was taken back to the Isuzu Assembly plant to complete a formal handover process.

“Kianjai Girls’ Secondary School from Tigania West, Meru County placed an order with Isuzu East Africa for a 46-seater bus in September 2019,” said Muhindi in his press release dated Wednesday, March 17.

“The payment was completed in December 2020. Subsequently, a chassis was allocated and bus body fabrication commenced.

“The bus had recently been completed and number plates issued. We expect to make delivery of the bus to the school next week,” said the car maker’s communications boss.

Isuzu termed as false allegations that the bus, valued at Ksh3.5 million, was repossessed over delayed payment.

“We have noted that the letter’s misleading contents also appeared in a story published online by one of the leading daily newspapers,” said Muhindi, adding Isuzu’s press statement was prompted by the need to “set the record straight”.

On Tuesday, March 16, reports published online suggested that the bus donated by Ruto was “taken back to the dealer”.