Wamalwa Criticizes President Ruto for Lavish U.S Trip Amid Rising Taxes
Eugene Wamalwa, the leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), criticized President Ruto’s four-day State visit to the United States, labeling it as absurd and accusing him of hypocrisy.
During an interview on Citizen TV’s Sunday Live, Wamalwa argued that it was inappropriate for President Ruto to charter a private jet amid rising taxes and government claims of empty coffers.
“You can’t claim we lack funds, then use the increased taxes for lavish expenses,” Wamalwa said on Sunday.
“What makes William Ruto so special that he needs to hire such an expensive jet?”
Wamalwa also mentioned that Ruto missed a crucial opportunity to promote Kenya Airways (KQ) during this notable trip, the first by an African leader in 15 years.
“A patriotic President would show pride in using Kenya Airways, flying the Kenyan flag, and promoting it globally,” he added.
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Earlier, President Ruto defended his choice of a luxury private jet for the State Visit, stating it was more cost-effective than using Kenya’s national carrier.
“Fellow Kenyans, I’ve noted concerns about my mode of travel to the USA. As a responsible steward of public resources, the cost was lower than traveling on KQ,” Ruto tweeted on Sunday.
Ruto traveled aboard a chartered Boeing 737-700, operated by Royal Jet of Dubai, making stops in America before returning to Kenya on May 25, 2024.
A single trip from Nairobi to Atlanta on this luxury jet, taking about 18 hours, is expected to cost taxpayers around Ksh.98 million. The total round trip, including additional flights from Atlanta to Washington, D.C., could exceed Ksh.200 million.
The expensive trip sparked public outrage, with Kenyans criticizing Ruto for asking other public servants to “live within their means” while he traveled in luxury.
Wamalwa Criticizes President Ruto for Lavish U.S Trip Amid Rising Taxes