Why I opted for a private jet to US state visit; Ruto
3 min read
President Ruto assures Kenyans that hiring a private jet during his trip to the United States was not a waste of money.
President Ruto assures Kenyans that hiring a private jet during his trip to the United States (US) was not a waste of money.
President William Ruto has finally addressed the cost of his travel to the United States of America (USA) following concerns raised by Kenyans.
In a tweet on the X platform on Sunday, May 26, the Head of State claimed that the cost he used in traveling to the US was cheaper than using Kenya Airways.
“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns about my mode of transport to the USA. As a responsible steward of public resources and in keeping with my determination for us to live within our means and that I should lead from the front in so doing, the cost was less than traveling on KQ,” Ruto stated.
For most of his trips, President Ruto has been using the presidential jet, a 30-year-old Fokker 70 extended range christened Harambee one with a carrying capacity of 26 passengers.
However, while traveling to the US, he opted for a chartered jet, a Boeing 737-700 business jet from the Abu Dhabi-based Royal Jet group.
Ruto’s statement was made a day after he made similar remarks during an interview with VOA Africa, during which he stressed that his mode of transport was informed by austerity measures.
Ruto remarked that it was preposterous for people to keep repeating claims that the jet was leased for five days at a cost of Ksh200 million.
“I think the expenditure on my trip is completely exaggerated. They actually border on ridiculous. I am very careful about the resources that I spend,” he stated.
President William Ruto, while denying the Ksh200 million claim, did not indicate how much taxpayer cash was used to fund the trip.
Isaac Mwaura narrates horrifying experience with Ndindi Nyoro that made him ditch potential wife
Ruto sends message to Kenyans after jetting back from the US trip
DP Gachagua goes ballistic on Ruto allies who he accused of undermining him
Ruto responds on whether he prefers China or US
Anglican Archbishop condemns Ruto over Haiti mission after US visit
State House initially explained that Ruto and his delegation could not have used the presidential jet as it would have necessitated five stopovers for refueling.
Reports would later emerge that hiring a similar bird costs Ksh100 million for a one-way trip that carries 34 passengers and a return journey would also cost the same amount.
Details showed that the plane could cost more than Ksh2 million per hour and this would vary depending on routing, scheduling, and number of passengers, among other details.
There is also take-off and landing tax and parking depending on costs at different airports.
Also read,
Ruto CS blames the poor state of stadiums on Uhuru administration
KDF officer injured after bandits attack in Baringo
Ruto breaks silence over Ksh200 million jet on his US trip
Ruto issues Executive Order on the management of state corporations
DP Gachagua for the first time opens up on his relationship with President Ruto
Follow us
