Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga has told off a section of Kenyans criticizing the cost of President William Ruto’s chartered plane to United States of America during his state visit.
Omanga through her official X account on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, said the focus of Kenyans should not be on the cost of Ruto’s US state visit.
US trip benefits
The politician-cum businesswoman pointed out that Kenyans should look at the benefits that came out of the trip, instead of scrutinizing it.
Omanga, a close ally of President Ruto, said Kenyans should not lose the sight of an antelope for the squirrel.
“I think we are missing the point. In as much as it’s within Kenyans’ rights to scrutinize the president’s state visit to the U.S, the focus shouldn’t be on the cost of the visit but the benefits that accrued to Kenya. We shouldn’t lose the sight of the antelope for the squirrel,” she posted.
I think we are missing the point. Inasmuch as it’s within Kenyans’ rights to scrutinise the president’s state visit to the U.S, the focus shouldn’t be on the cost of the visit but the benefits that accrued to Kenya. We shouldn’t lose the sight of the antelope for the squirrel.
— Hon Millicent Omanga (@MillicentOmanga) May 28, 2024
President Ruto has been on the receiving end after he chartered a private jet for his trip to the US.
Ruto left the country on Sunday, May 19, 2024, aboard a chartered Boeing 737-700 that was said to be operated by the Royal Jet of Dubai.
The jet costs approximately Ksh98 million for a single trip from Nairobi to Atlanta, USA.
A round trip could, therefore, surpass the Ksh200 million mark as the president also used the same jet to travel from Atlanta to Washington DC, a trip spanning two hours.
Rarieda MP Otiende Omollo is among those who criticized the trip’s cost, terming it extravagant.
“Mr President, let it be said clearly! Your USA trip was extravagant! Many heads of state travel cheaper! Worst of all, you then drag a limping KQ into it!” the lawmaker posted on his official X account on Monday, May 27, 2024.
Ruto defends himself
Ruto, however, defended the cost of his trip, saying it was cheaper to charter a plane compared to using Kenya Airways.
“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns on my mode of transport to 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 travelling on KQ,” Ruto said in a statement issued on May 26, 2024.
Ruto’s remarks sparked a debate, with a section of Kenyans criticizing him for justifying his expensive US trip.
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