President William Ruto arrived back in Kenya on Monday, June 17, 2024, from Switzerland, travelling aboard the national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ).
The President was received upon his arrival by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.
His return using KQ follows weeks of criticism for using an expensive chartered private jet during a state visit to the United States.
According to the Head of State, the contentious luxurious jet to the US did not cost as much as on-air reports had insinuated.
Ruto, Ksh200M jet
Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel on Thursday, May 30, 2024, the head of State claimed that his flight cost Ksh10 million contrary to claims that he spent a whooping Ksh200 million for the presidential flight.
“You know when I saw the debate in Kenya as to how I travelled to the US. There were all manners of figures, that ‘this plane is this size, it’s like this, google it. This must have cost Ksh200 million, because the president needed to arrive in style in the US, holding Rachel’s hand’. I am a very responsible steward. There is no way I can spend Ksh200 million. Let me disclose here, that it cost the Republic of Kenya less than Ksh10 million,” Ruto asserted.
President Ruto disclosed that he chose to fly with Kenya Airways (KQ) rather than selecting a pricier alternative proposed by his office. He mentioned that the initial budget for his US trip was Ksh70 million, which he firmly rejected, opting instead to fly with KQ.
Ruto emphasized his commitment to financial discipline and leading by example to ensure the country operates within its budget. He stated there was no way he would indulge in extravagant travel at the taxpayers’ expense.
Additionally, he shared that some friends from Kenya supported him by providing a Ksh10 million plane after insisting that he didn’t want to overspend on his flight at the taxpayers’ expense.
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