Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has denied claims that Police Airwing has been rendered non-operational with only two helicopters out of the five being functional.
The IG spoke during an inspection tour at the National Police Service Airwing at Wilson Airport after he alongside DIG Mbugua and Director of Airwing Rodgers Mbithi undertook a 45minutes flight test aboard 5Y DIG 14 capacity seater chopper.
However, The informer established only two helicopters are functional 5Y DIG and 5Y PEU our of the five supplied by Italian firm Augusta Westlands.
Also, all the fixed wing aircrafts are also grounded.
“I want to say I am very happy to be here. As you have seen we have flew together. These helicopters provide very crucial support in our police operations and aerial surveillance. Air surveillance is very key in directing our teams on the ground especially in Boni , north eastern and in addressing cattle rustling through directing our troops on the ground, “ he said.
“Yes the helicopters have been insured. I cannot say they were idle, it was an issue of our suppliers and regulation that we cannot fly them while not insured.
“Yes they are registered with KCAA,” he said.
