President Ruto Defends Private Jet Hire as Cheapest Travel Solution
President William Ruto assured Kenyans on Sunday, May 26, that hiring a private jet for his trip to the United States was a cost-effective decision.
The President explained in a statement that the private jet was the most economical option compared to commercial flights between Kenya and the United States.
“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted your concerns regarding my transportation to the United States,” he addressed the public’s questions about the expense.
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“As a responsible steward of public funds and committed to living within our means, it was more cost-effective than traveling on the national airline,” he clarified.
Ruto’s statement followed similar comments made during an interview with VOA Africa, emphasizing that his travel decisions were guided by austerity measures.
Ruto dismissed claims that the jet was leased for five days for Ksh200 million as absurd.
“I believe the reported expenditure on my trip is greatly exaggerated and borders on the ridiculous. I am very mindful of how public resources are spent,” he asserted.
President William Ruto, while refuting the Ksh200 million allegation, failed to disclose the amount of public funds utilized for the journey.
Initially, State House clarified that Ruto and his entourage couldn’t have utilized the presidential aircraft due to the need for five refueling stops.
The United States Embassy in Nairobi debunked speculations on May 21, asserting it hadn’t chartered the aircraft on behalf of the Kenyan government.
The expense of chartering the plane drew global scrutiny during Ruto’s US State Visit, prompting government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura to urge journalists to refrain from fixating on the trip’s cost.
Instead, Mwaura urged the media to redirect their focus to the agreements slated for signing, contending that their prospective benefits outweighed the travel expenses.
President Ruto Defends Private Jet Hire as Cheapest Travel Solution