Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta put up a spirited defence to claims that there were underhand dealings in the purchase of Passats for government ministers and other top accounting officers. Uhuru maintained that the deal was above board as the tender had been advertised by the ministry of public works last year. The minister also clarified that the price of 3.7 million shillings for a Passat vehicle included duty and that a Mercedes Benz of a similar class would have cost the tax payer 6.2 million shillings if duty were to be paid. Uhuru was speaking when he appeared before the public accounts committee in parliament. (less info)