Ruto Defends Chartering Royal Jet, Says It Was Cheaper Than Boarding Kenya Airways

• President William Ruto chartered an Abu Dhabi Royal Jet for his recent four-day trip to the United States of America
• Ruto said he is a responsible steward of public resources and is committed to ensuring that Kenyans live within their means
• His response came hours after he landed back in the country upon completion of his US trip with an entourage of more than 30 individuals

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

President William Ruto's recent trip to the United States has stirred both praise and criticism in equal measure.

Many Kenyans expressed feelings of betrayal upon learning that the president had opted to charter a Boeing 737-700 jet from Abu Dhabi, at a hefty cost of nearly KSh 200 million.

Why William Ruto settled on private jet to USA

In response to the public outrage, Ruto defended his decision by highlighting the purported cost-effectiveness of the private jet compared to a flight with Kenya Airways.

"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," he revealed.

Adding fuel to the controversy, it was noted that the president was accompanied by a large entourage of over 30 individuals, including comedian Eddy Butita.

This further fuelled discussion about the appropriateness of the expenditure and the size of the official delegation.

US denies funding Ruto's expensive trip

The government of the United States of America revealed that they did not sponsor the president to the states.

This was after the president hired a private business royal jet at a cost of KSh 2.4 million per hour.

According to reports, the aircraft is designed for flights lasting 10 to 12 hours a day without a stop.

What else you need to know about Ruto's trip to the US

• The head of state denied overspending on the four-day trip to the United States
• William Ruto received an Outstanding Leaders Award from the US Chamber of Commerce
• The White House denied President Ruto and his entourage a chance to use their silverware

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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William Ruto has defended his expensive USA trip

Ruto Defends Chartering Royal Jet, Says It Was Cheaper than Boarding

President Ruto Defends Cost-Efficient Travel Choice Over Kenya Airways