Kenyans were shocked to discover that Busia Senator Okiya Omtata travels in a comparatively inexpensive car compared to his parliamentary colleagues shortly after he was involved in a minor accident in Kisumu.
According to a Citizen Digital report published Friday morning, the senator was involved in a minor traffic accident on Thursday evening in the Ojolla area on the Kisumu - Busia road.
A truck heading up the steep hill in Ojola towards Maseno collided with the senator's saloon car as it traveled toward Busia.
Kenyans were understandably shocked to learn about the minor accident online and to see the kind of car the litigious senator drives.
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For many people, driving a Nissan AD, also known as a Nissan Wingroad, is unheard of for a man of Omutatah's caliber. The Nissan AD is a basic subcompact van and wagon produced by Nissan in Japan.
Some Kenyan car-selling websites state that the price range for the car is Ksh. 600,000 to Ksh. 900,000.
The car's structural features, including its roomy boot, simple, hard seats, and fuel-efficient engine, make it popular among traders for transporting goods to distant locations.
People questioned why Omtata, a senator and a highly esteemed official in Kenya, did not choose the luxurious gas-guzzlers that his colleagues preferred, considering that Parliament does award costly automobile grants to all elected members, enabling them to buy a stately vehicle of their choosing.
The senator was praised by many for his "humility" and apparent connection to "the people." Still, many others urged him to purchase a better car and prioritize his safety because his position in Kenyan politics is too important for him to continue driving around in such a subpar vehicle.
While sharing photos of a sleek Mercedes Benz S-Class, news anchor Ken Mijungu even proposed the best vehicle for the senator, saying, "Pole sana my friend senator @OkiyaOmtatah. You cannot however drive a Nissan Advan. You are prohibited by your status. With the work you have done for Kenyans hata kama tutakuchangia tununue S-Class we have to. I have spoken with My friends and they have this for you..."
X user Ole Teya opined, "Okiya Omtatah being trolled for driving a modest Nissan AD. Tumezoea kuona politicians na big machines bought na pesa zimeibiwa from public coffers mpaka seeing an honest politician inakaa abnormal."
Another user said, "Okiya Omtatah needs to be serious with life, Buana. He shouldn't extend this humility trait to his safety. For Christ's sake, we can't afford to lose him now. He's the only leader who's allowed to drive a heavy machine using our taxes!"
Rose Gathoni said on her part, "This man really understands the common mwananchi. Unlike his mates in Parliament, he doesn't roll in those huge machines which consume hundreds of liters of fuel. He's a reasonable man who resonates with his constituents. CleHes Kenyans in his heart. No wonder the endless fights he has with the Executive."
Allan Mwangi, the Nyanza Regional Traffic Boss, confirmed the incident and stated that the senator was unharmed and continued.
