Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu during the official handover of bus to Ntulele secondary school in Narok East sub county on Monday/photo courtesy

A controversy has emerged over a bus presented to Ntulele Secondary School in Narok East Sub-County, sparking debate over its actual source.

The vehicle was officially handed over to the school on Monday during a lively ceremony attended by parents, teachers, students, and local residents.

Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu, who led the presentation, claimed the bus was purchased by the county government as part of pledges he made during his campaign period.

According to the governor, the bus will ease the movement of both students and teachers, particularly during learning and co-curricular activities.

He described the gesture as part of the county’s broader developmental agenda in Mosiro Ward.

“We understand the importance of ensuring that students have the necessary support to excel academically. This bus will help them move safely and comfortably during school activities,” Ntutu said.

He further pledged to sponsor form four students on an educational trip to the world-famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve this Saturday, adding that he would personally fuel the newly acquired bus.

The county boss said the initiative was intended to motivate students ahead of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams scheduled for next month.

Ntutu also disclosed plans to purchase three more buses in the region to enhance the movement of students and teachers, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure.

However, not everyone welcomed the governor’s claim.

A local resident, Richard Mwanik, publicly disputed Ntutu’s statement, asserting that the bus was, in fact, donated by President William Ruto.

Mwanik argued that during his recent tour of the region, the President had promised to provide a bus for Ntulele Secondary School after the locals requested the head of state.

He called on the governor to acknowledge the true source of the donation, saying, “The governor should be honest with the people. The bus is a fulfillment of the President’s promise, not a county purchase.”

The conflicting claims have sparked discussions among local residents and school stakeholders, with some questioning the transparency surrounding public resources and donations in the education sector.

Ntulele Secondary School, located in Mosiro Ward, is one of the key learning institutions in Narok East, and the new bus is expected to significantly ease logistical challenges for both staff and students.

The controversy, however, underscores the need for clear communication regarding public donations and government projects, especially when multiple political figures are involved in regional development initiatives.

The debate over the bus highlights how public perception can quickly shift when political figures are involved in community development projects, even when the intended beneficiaries—students—stand to gain significantly.