A new Rolls Royce that was imported from London by Devki Group, a company owned by Narendra Raval, has been linked to President William Ruto.
The car’s shipment details were leaked on social media by a whistleblower, who shared a photo of a document titled “Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods”.
The document shows that the car was shipped from London Heathrow to Kenya under the name of Devki Group and was addressed to the consignee named “HE IMLLIAM SOMVOY RUTO” of the address “PO BOX 33319, NAIROBI,
KENYA, PIN NO 00600″.
Regrettably, the rest of the document is partially obscured, adding an extra layer of mystery to the entire affair.
The car in question appears to be none other than the Rolls-Royce Phantom, renowned for its opulence and status as one of the most expensive models in the Rolls-Royce lineup.
As reported by Car and Driver, the base price of a 2024 Rolls-Royce Phantom stands at a staggering $493,000, though this figure can escalate depending on the buyer’s chosen options and customizations, as I will explain later in the article.
This development has sparked a wave of public concern and debate, with allegations swirling that President Ruto may be accepting gifts from affluent individuals in exchange for potential political favours.
Critics argue that such transactions cast a shadow over the integrity of the presidency, suggesting a precarious dance with undue influence.
The proximity between President Ruto and Narendra Raval is undeniable.
Raval, who is colloquially known as ‘Guru’, is one of the richest businessmen in Kenya and the owner of Devki Group, which deals with steel, cement, and roofing materials.
He stands as one of the most influential figures in the country’s business landscape.
His unwavering support for President Ruto extends beyond political allegiance, with Raval contributing substantial financial backing to Ruto’s political campaigns.
The symbiotic relationship between the two extends into the political arena, with Raval securing pivotal appointments from President Ruto.
In June 2023, Raval was entrusted with leading a steering committee mandated to oversee the much-anticipated reforms of the Government Press.
In a gazette notice dated June 23, 2023, the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said Raval would lead a Presidential taskforce focused on modernizing and transforming the Government Press into an efficient and commercially viable entity.
His influence soon extended further, as he found himself appointed to other various government committees, including the steering committee of the National Lotteries task force.
In a gazette notice dated February 17, the head of state picked 13 others, including KCB group CEO Paul Russo as members of the committee.
These appointments have not gone unnoticed, triggering concerns among citizens about potential corruption and cronyism within the highest echelons of power.
Detractors argue that President Ruto’s favouritism towards allies may compromise the impartiality of governance, while supporters maintain that the president has the prerogative to choose advisors of his liking with no substantiated evidence of wrongdoing.
As the Rolls-Royce saga unfolds, it not only raises questions about the president’s relationship with Devki Group but also underscores broader concerns about the intersection of politics and business in Kenya.
The need for transparency and ethical governance is now more pressing than ever as citizens grapple with the implications of these intertwined dynamics.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom: A Closer Look
The latest information is that the Rolls Royce has been cleared from customs and was recently spotted in the Karen neighbourhood, where President Ruto resides.
However, it has not been confirmed whether Ruto has taken possession of the vehicle.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is one of the most expensive and prestigious cars in the world.
It is a symbol of luxury, wealth, and power.
Performance and Features
Powering the Phantom is a formidable 6.7-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, generating an impressive 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.
Beyond raw power, the Phantom is celebrated for its luxurious interior, featuring leather seats, wood trim, a starlight headliner, and a state-of-the-art rear-seat entertainment system.
Advanced technology and safety features, such as a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, night vision, and a 360-degree camera, further enhance its appeal.
Special Edition or Bespoke Model
While the leaked images suggest a black Phantom with red accents, indicative of a potential Black Badge version, it’s crucial to note that this variant is not your standard model.
The Black Badge Phantom, as detailed by CarBuzz, starts at $569,600 and boasts a more potent engine with 592 horsepower, along with sportier suspension, steering, and braking systems.
Alternatively, the car in question may be a custom-made Phantom, ordered by a discerning client through Rolls Royce’s bespoke program.
This program allows customers to personalize their vehicles extensively, with unique colors, materials, designs, and features.
Notably, Rolls Royce’s history includes limited editions like the Phantom Tempus Collection, featuring exclusive paint colors, a pulsar headliner, and a dashboard crafted from a meteorite.
Price Tag
Therefore, the cost of the Rolls-Royce in the image could range from $493,000 to over $1 million, depending on the exact model, edition, and customization of the car.
This raises questions about the source and motive of such a lavish gift, as well as the implications for the integrity of governance and the role of money in politics.
