WATCH: USIU Students Campaign For Elections In Ksh25M Lexus SUV

Other cars on show included a Mercedes Benz C-Class as well as a Toyota GT 86 sports car, which according to some online car sites, can set one back around Ksh4 million.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jun 29, 2023 - 13:17 Updated: Sep 2, 2023 - 22:49
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WATCH: USIU Students Campaign For Elections In Ksh25M Lexus SUV
USIU students during campaigns on a Lexus LX 570 SUV on June 28, 2023. /TWITTER.KINYANJUI NILLO

A video of students at the United States International University-Africa (USIU) in full campaign mode emerged on Wednesday, June 28 ahead of the campus' annual student elections.

However, the big difference is that the students ground operations at the private institution to a halt by unleashing vehicles as part of their campaign trail, some of which are synonymous with the wealthy in Kenya's society.

In videos seen by Viral Tea, the students cheerfully campaigned in the respective colours of their favoured side ahead of the student elections, with one of them backed by, among the sleek vehicle convoy, a Lexus LX 570 thought to cost up to Ksh25 million.

Other cars on show included a Mercedes Benz C-Class as well as a Toyota GT 86 sports car, which according to some online car sites, can set one back around Ksh4 million.

Here is the video:

Viral Tea was unable to independently determine the exact date the elections will be held, even though they are set to take place within the current semester.

The student elections are held annually and internally where the campus fraternity chooses leaders to represent them in various disciplines. Those elected form part and parcel of the Student Council.

The task of handling matters of student elections lies with USIU's electoral commission to ensure that the polls are conducted in a free and fair manner, almost akin to any election in Kenya held by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

"As the Electoral Commission of USIU-Africa, we are entitled to make sure that all elections around the school are conducted in a free and fair manner that promotes equalness to all.

"We are in charge of all Club elections, Sport Activities Committee(SPAC) elections, Dean's – Residents' Advisory Board(DRAB) as well as The Student Affairs Council (SAC)elections," the commission states on the university's website.

Ruto's Love Story With Lexus LX 570

The LX 570 is a car synonymous with President William Ruto who has preferred it as his go-to presidential vehicle during his travels across the country, developing a special bond with the SUV stretching as far back as the campaign season before the 2022 general elections.

In January 2023, the Head of State chose to use the Lexus for trips to Kiganjo, Nyeri county and Embakasi, Nairobi county for the police constables pass-out parade and the Administration Police parade, at the expense of the armoured presidential Toyota Land Cruiser LC200 that was used often by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta.

He was so used to the Lexus during the campaign period and following his victory in the August 9, 2022, general elections but once he was sworn in, he was required to upgrade to a vehicle that had the prerequisite security measures to suit a Kenyan Head of State.

The Lexus that Ruto used, which went viral on Wednesday, January 11, bore memories of the viral KCU 192H car which he loved for his campaigns so much that he abandoned a 2022 Toyota Tundra 6x6 wheel truck branded with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party colours, worth Ksh100 million after it developed mechanical problems.

Security guards tending to the Lexus LX 570 car in Nyeri County on January 11, 2023. /DCI

However, this car did not have a number plate, instead prominently featured a coat of arms which symbolises his status as the highest power in the country. The car also had two flags; Ruto's presidential standard and the Kenyan flag, flanking both its front sides.

Reason Why Ruto Prefers Lexus LX570 over LC200

The two cars are manufactured under two car brands, which are under the same company. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two.

The Lexus LX 570 is larger and more stylish and commands a presence compared to the LC200. It is also considered the more luxurious of the two and offers a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its advanced suspension system, which helps to reduce road noise and vibrations.

Lexus LX is a vehicle with a beautifully crafted cabin and standard luxurious features that makes it attractive in Kenya. It is perfectly ventilated, and its rear seats and the steering wheel are well heated to guarantee that comfy ride. 

Its comfort is enhanced by the power-adjustable climate control, sunroof, ability to conquer bumps, and a nine-speaker premium sound system. 

It also has some prestigious fitting leather upholstery and wood trims as part of its impeccably crafted interior that contains ambient lighting for a lit experience. 

Under the hood, it packs a powerful 5.7-litre (5,700cc) V8 engine and an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission which enables the car to move calmly while generating maximum power of 383 horsepower (hp) and a 403lb-ft (pounds per foot) of torque.

The SUV is also powerful enough to travel off-road comfortably and maintain its grip through the rough terrains, a feature Ruto best utilised for reaching areas of the country that other SUVs would find challenging.

You can easily manoeuvre the 2,600-kilogramme car through the traffic jams thanks to its adaptive cruise control that allows you to maintain a safe distance. 

Other safety features include Forward collision mitigation, a Blind-spot monitor with a rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and a Surround-view camera system.

Collage of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Mombasa in the presidential Land Cruiser LC200 and President William Ruto walking past the Lexus LX 570 car in Embakasi, Nairobi county on January 11, 2023. /FILE.ADMINISTRATION POLICE SERVICE

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