Kenyans surprised to learn that Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah drives around in a Nissan AD van

Friday morning, Citizen Digital reported that the senator was involved in a minor road accident at Ojolla area on the Kisumu - Busia road on Thursday evening. 

The senator's saloon car which was heading towards Busia was hit by a truck that was ascending the Ojola steep hill towards Maseno.

As the news of the minor accident did rounds online, Kenyans were understandably surprised by the type of car the litigious senator moves around in.

For many, it is unheard of for a man of Omtatah's stature to drive around in a Nissan AD van which is a simple subcompact van and wagon manufactured by Japan's Nissan company.

According to various car-selling websites in Kenya, one can buy the car for as little as Ksh.600,000 and as much as Ksh.900, 000.

The car is also widely used by traders to transport goods to far-flung places given its structural make - spacious boot, plain, hard seats and fuel-economic engine.

Being a senator, an obviously vaunted official in Kenya, people wondered why Omtatah did not go for the high-end fuel guzzlers popular with his colleagues, given that Parliament does give expensive car grants to all elected members to purchase a stately vehicle of their choice.

While many praised the senator for his 'humility' and apparent connection to 'the people', many others urged him to take his safety seriously and buy a better vehicle as the role he plays in Kenyan politics is too crucial for him to drive around in such a lowly car.

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, "Okiyah Omtatah needs to be serious with life buana. He shouldn't extend this humility trait to his safety. For Christ sake we can't afford losing him now. He's the only leader who's allowed to drive a heavy machine using our taxes!"

On her part user Rose Gathoni said, "This man really understands the common mwananchi. Unlike his mates in parliament, he doesn't roll in those huge machines which consumes hundreds of litres of fuel. He's a reasonable man who resonates with his constituents. Clearly, he has Kenyans in his heart. No wonder the endless fights he has with the Executive."

While confirming the incident, Nyanza Regional Traffic Boss Allan Mwangi said the Senator was not injured during the accident and proceeded with his journey.