Nairobi News

HashtagHustle

Ruto-linked chopper company expands fleet


An aircraft charter company linked to Deputy President William Ruto has added a chopper to its fleet.

Kwae Island Development Limited Company on Thursday announced the new addition, a H130 airbus model acquired in South Africa.

The company deals in executive transport and Dr Ruto lists among its regular clients.

The new airbus H130 costs approximately Sh335 million (USD3.3 million) and will be embarking on its maiden flight from South Africa to Kenya.

The company has been on an expansion spree having purchased the first Bell505 in Africa in September last year.

KIDL’s hanger at Wilson Airport last year became a subject of discussion among operators owing to is location that poses security and safety concerns.

The green tin-roofed hangar is located opposite Aero Club of East Africa which is under the flight path, putting landing aircraft at risk.

In 2016, the company was in the news after one of its pilots, Captain Alistair Patrick Llewelyn, who had flown Ruto to a church fundraiser in Ndunyu Njeru, Nyandarua County, was caught on camera assaulting a police officer.

He was charged in court and the company said it had terminated his contract.

However, the pilot was back in the skies two months later.