Kenya’s President William Ruto is facing significant backlash for his recent comments about his travel expenses.
Ruto stated that the private jet he used for his trip to the United States last week was cheaper than flying with Kenya Airways, the national airline.
However, he did not disclose the actual cost of the private jet or provide a comparison with the airline’s prices.
President Ruto’s visit to the US was a four-day official state visit, marking the first such trip by an African leader in over 15 years.
During the visit, Kenya secured investment deals worth billions of dollars and was designated a major non-NATO ally by the US, strengthening its security partnership with the country.
Despite these achievements, the president’s use of a luxury jet for the trip has sparked ongoing criticism, prompting him to defend his decision. Mr. Ruto defended himself as a “steward of public resources.”
“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 traveling on [Kenya Airways].”
William Ruto
“The facts that are out in the public do not seem to bear him out,” said political analyst Prof Herman Manyora.
Opposition Criticizes Ruto’s Travel Expenses
Senior opposition figure Eugene Wamalwa criticized President William Ruto’s remarks about his travel expenses, calling them “unpatriotic.” Wamalwa argued that the president should have used the opportunity to promote Kenya Airways instead.
Kenya Airways has refrained from commenting on the cost comparison between its services and the private jet used by President William Ruto.
However, the airline has denounced a widely circulated statement claiming that flying with Kenya Airways would have been cheaper for the president as fake.
Despite President Ruto’s clarification, he faced criticism from many Kenyans. Political analyst Mr. Manyora suggested that the president should have provided a clearer explanation to convince people of the rationale behind using a private jet.
Manyora emphasized the importance of addressing public perceptions and highlighting the advantages of chartering a plane, such as flexibility, comfort, and security.
Some social media users also criticized the president for opting for a foreign-owned airline instead of supporting a national carrier.
“It is a shame as a country if the president can’t use our national airline, Kenya Airways because it is expensive,” said Alinur Mohamed.
Local media reports suggest that the total cost of business class tickets for President William Ruto and his delegation would have been significantly cheaper than hiring a private jet.
The president traveled to the US using a jet from the Dubai-owned RoyalJet company, accompanied by about 30 people.
The cost of hiring such a jet is reported to be $1.5 million, compared to an estimated $300,000 for business-class tickets on Kenya Airways for the entire delegation.
Over the weekend, President Ruto dismissed these cost estimates as “completely exaggerated.”
Although he did not disclose the actual cost of the trip, he described the figures being circulated as “ridiculous,” adding, “I’m careful about the resources that I spend.”
Moreover, the government spokesman Isaac Mwaura said that the “benefits from this visit far outweigh” the costs.
The controversy arises amid criticism that taxpayers’ money is being used to fund government extravagance, even as taxes have been increased due to claims that the state needs additional funds.
Since becoming president in 2022, William Ruto has made more than 50 international trips, averaging over three per month. The government defends these trips as essential, while also highlighting recent directives aimed at reducing spending.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s ESRF Project Highlights Achievements and Lessons Learned
