My Private Jet to USA Was Cheaper Than Travelling on Kq – Ruto
President William Ruto’s recent defense of his choice to use a luxury private jet for his State Visit to the United States has ignited widespread debate. Departing Kenya on May 19, 2024, Ruto embarked on his journey aboard a chartered Boeing 737-700, reportedly operated by the Royal Jet of Dubai. His itinerary included stops in America before returning home on May 25.
The decision to opt for the private jet, while not unusual for high-ranking officials, raised eyebrows due to its hefty cost to taxpayers. A single trip from Nairobi to Atlanta, spanning approximately 18 hours, incurred an estimated expense of Ksh.98 million. Factoring in additional travel from Atlanta to Washington D.C., the total expenditure for a round trip could potentially exceed the Ksh.200 million mark.
This revelation triggered public outcry, with many Kenyans questioning Ruto’s expenditure, especially in light of his previous calls for fiscal responsibility among public servants. Critics accused him of hypocrisy, arguing that his lavish travel contradicted his rhetoric urging others to “live within their means.”
In response to the mounting criticism, President Ruto took to social media to justify his travel choices. In a tweet posted on Sunday, he defended the private jet’s use, claiming it was a more cost-effective option compared to Kenya Airways, the national carrier. Ruto emphasized his commitment to prudent management of public resources and asserted his desire to lead by example in adhering to budgetary constraints.
Support for Ruto’s stance came from government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, who downplayed concerns about the extravagant expenditure. Mwaura highlighted the perceived benefits of Ruto’s visit, arguing that they far outweighed the cost of the private jet.
However, earlier reports suggesting that the United States had covered Ruto’s travel expenses were refuted by the U.S. embassy in Kenya. A spokesperson for the embassy clarified that the U.S. did not foot the bill for Ruto’s jet, dispelling any misconceptions about external funding for the trip.
Despite Ruto’s attempts to rationalize his travel decisions and the government’s efforts to defend them, the controversy surrounding the use of the luxury private jet persists. As public scrutiny intensifies, the debate over the appropriate use of taxpayer funds for official travel remains a contentious issue in Kenyan politics.
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My Private Jet to USA Was Cheaper Than Travelling on Kq – Ruto
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