RUTO: Private Jet was Cheaper than Kenya Airways for the US Trip

NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has faced widespread criticism after stating that the private jet he used for his recent trip to the United States was cheaper than flying on the national airline, Kenya Airways. Despite his claims, he did not disclose the costs involved for either option.

Political analyst Prof. Herman Manyora told the BBC, "The facts that are out in the public do not seem to bear him out." Senior opposition figure Eugene Wamalwa labeled the president's remarks as "unpatriotic," suggesting that Ruto should have used the opportunity to promote Kenya Airways instead.

President Ruto's visit to the US was a significant three-day official state visit, marking the first such trip by an African leader in over 15 years. During his visit, Kenya secured investment deals worth billions of dollars and was designated a major non-NATO ally by the US, enhancing its security partnership with the country.

The use of a luxury jet, however, has sparked controversy, with Ruto defending his decision as a cost-saving measure.

"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 [Kenya Airways]," he stated on X (formerly Twitter) upon his return.

Kenya Airways has not commented on the specific costs but has dismissed as fake a statement claiming that using the airline would have been cheaper.

Local media reports suggest that the total cost of business-class tickets for the president and his delegation would have been significantly less than hiring a private jet.

The reported cost of the Dubai-owned RoyalJet used for the trip was $1.5 million, compared to an estimated $300,000 for business-class tickets on Kenya Airways for the entire delegation.

Ruto told Voice of America (VOA) that the cost estimates being circulated were "completely exaggerated," without providing specific figures. "I'm careful about the resources that I spend," he added.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura emphasized that the "benefits from this visit far outweigh" the costs, without confirming the amounts involved. This issue arises amid concerns about government extravagance funded by taxpayers' money, while taxes have been raised for additional state funding.

Critics argue that the president should have offered a clearer explanation to justify using a private jet. Manyora suggested that Ruto should have addressed the benefits of a chartered plane, such as flexibility, class, and security, instead of leaving people wondering about the decision.

On social media, some criticized the president for using a foreign-owned airline. "It is a shame as a country if the president can't use our national airlines, Kenya Airways, because it is expensive," commented Alinur Mohamed.

Since taking office in 2022, President Ruto has made more than 50 international trips, averaging over three per month. The government has defended these trips as necessary for the country's interests, while pointing to recent directives aimed at cutting spending.

The debate over the private jet underscores the broader issues of public trust and government spending in Kenya, as the nation grapples with economic challenges and the need for fiscal responsibility.