Ruto’s Linked Company, KIDL Helicopters Buys A New Chopper And His Sixth, Bell 505 The First In Africa

Africair, has delivered a Bell 505 helicopter to KIDL Helicopters Operations in Kenya, Bell announced on 5 September.

The delivery marks the introduction of the first Bell 505 helicopter to a customer in Africa.

Africair Helicopter Support, a newly established Kenya Civil Aviation Authority authorised maintenance organisation, reassembled the aircraft for delivery to KIDL at Wilson Airport in Nairobi. It will now be deployed for VIP transport operations.

The Bell 505 is a five-seat aircraft that features advanced avionics technology. It incorporates dynamic components, advanced aerodynamic design and a dual channel FADEC Turbomeca Arrius 2R engine.

Kwae Island Development Limited (KIDL) allegedly  operates the choppers on behalf of DP Ruto including the controversial helicopter registration 5Y-DSN whose pilot assaulted a police officer years back and was used for country side Jubilee campaigns. The planes were also allegedly chartered to KPLC, KPC and energy ministry in a nutshell.

Interestingly, KIDL got the air ambulance contract for NHIF despite not having the capacity to deliver the job prompting an outsourcing deal with Amref to assist in far flung areas. The awarding of the contract was challenged with the board.

Ruto who’s wealth and sources has been of questioning, recently denied owning any chopper claiming the one he uses is borrowed from Moses Kuria a claim that many laughed off as a lie. The DP has invested heavily in hospitality industry and real estate. He’s remained a center of focus in the anti corruption purge with many calling for a lifestyle audit to determine the truth on his rapidly acquired big empire.