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Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - President William Ruto has come under heavy criticism after attempting to explain why he hired a chartered plane for his US trip.
In a tweet, Ruto said he opted to use a private jet because using the Kenya Airways plane would have been much more expensive compared to what he used.
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"Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns about my mode of transport to the 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.
However, Ruto's statement attracted backlash from Kenyans, who suggested that the president was dishonest with his claims.
Others wondered if the president was asking other Kenyans to avoid using KQ because it was too expensive.
Gabriel Oguda:
"Bro, this is not you talking. Kindly blink twice if you need help."
"You better spend 300 million in KQ than hiring a private jet from other countries where are your priorities?"
Anwar Saddat"
"It sounds like you are saying because of KQ, I hired a private jet over KSh 200 million. Is KQ the only flight from Nairobi to Atlanta? Wacha Uongo Bwana!"
Kerry:
"Hakuna kitu unakuanga good in kama PR and lying with a straight face. You deserve an award. Hapo umetupima"
Nutritionist Lucy Chege:
"So we should avoid KQ because it's expensive?"
Kayle:
"So, what's cost-benefit analysis of using KQ compared to Abu Dhabi airlines?"
As reported earlier, Ruto flew a chartered Boeing 737-700 business jet operated by Royal Jet of Dubai.
He abandoned the 26-seater Fokker 70ER, Harambee 1, due to its range limitations, as it can only travel for five hours nonstop.
In contrast, the stately Boeing 737-700 aircraft can fly in an ultralong range, exceeding most designed to fly between 10 and 12 hours a day.
Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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