Five senators have been cleared to fly to Tokyo, Japan for a 14-day trip to watch the Women’s World Volleyball Championships which starts tomorrow.

The five are Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a), Christopher Lagat (Bomet) and nominated colleagues Beatrice Kwamboka, Victor Prengei and Christine Zawadi.

They will each pocket not less than Sh. 1.2 million in per diems for the two weeks they will be in Japan. Speaker Kenneth Lusaka has approved the trip.

Tokyo, like Washinto, is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world. According to Parliamentary Service Commission rates, lawmakers are given Sh. 100,000 per day for their food and accommodation whenever abroad. Parliament pays for their air tickets.

On the other hand, Kenyan players who are participating in championship were each paid Sh. 80,000 for the three weeks they will be in Tokyo. This means each player will get a per diem of just Sh. 3,800.

Yesterday, Lusaka did not return calls and text messages seeking his comment.
Kangata who was in Eldoret for official duty said he was unaware of the trip. “I have just learned from the media,” Kang’ata said.