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Ruto defends hiring private jet for US trip, says it was cheaper than KQ

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto arriving in Atlanta, Georgia ahead of his State Visit to USA on May 20, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Monday, May 27, 2024

For the first state visit by a Kenyan President to the United States in two decades and the first by an African leader since 2008, Ruto opted to hire a Boeing 737-700 business jet, unlike his previous travels.

President William Ruto has defended his choice of hiring a private jet for his just concluded State Visit to the United States of America.

In a statement on Sunday, the Head of State addressed concerns that have been raised about the cost of hiring a private jet instead of using the national carrier Kenya Airways.

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In his defense, Ruto said the choice of his plane to the US was influenced by his decision to ensure the prudent use of state resources.

"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 wrote.

For the first state visit by a Kenyan President to the United States in two decades and the first by an African leader since 2008, Ruto opted to hire a Boeing 737-700 business jet, unlike his previous travels.

The jet which departed JKIA on May 19, 2024, was notably larger than the Fokker 70 ER (Extended Range) typically used by the Kenyan Head of State.

First Lady of the United States of America Jill Biden welcomes President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, USA on May 22, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Provided by Royal Jet, a company under the Abu Dhabi government, the aircraft bears the tail number A6-RJU and is headed by royal family member Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.

It boasts 23 VVIP seats, a mid-section lounge area, a master ensuite bedroom with a queen-sized bed, shower facilities, and broadband Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing the President to browse and tweet while in flight.

During his journey over the North Atlantic Ocean from Spain, where he made a brief stop for refueling at Santiago de Compostela Airport, Ruto expressed his condolences for Iranian leader Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash alongside Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and seven others on May 19, 2024.

The Eastleigh Voice reached out to a press attaché from the American Embassy in Nairobi, who clarified that the American government did not cover the chartering bills.

"We did not pay for the plane," the American diplomat stated.

US President Joe Biden receives his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto at the White House on May 22, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

State House Presidential Communication Service Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam explained to The Eastleigh Voice why President Ruto didn't use his official jet.

"The presidential jet cannot do the American route. This means it will stop five times to refuel," he explained, adding that the plane has been flying to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as always since it was bought in the 90s.

The revelations on the private jet sparked public uproar, prompting Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura to defend the President's trip.

While in Nakuru on May 21, 2024, Mwaura asked Kenyans to consider the potential benefits of the trip rather than fixating on the expenses.

"The president is pursuing opportunities that will benefit our country, and some people are only concerned with the cost. He will return with more value than the expense of the flight. Those questioning the costs seem to be disregarding Kenya's interests," he said.

The Government spokesman however did not reveal whether the government covered all costs for Ruto's trip.

Despite the government defending the US trip, pressure continues to mount on the President to release financial details of the State visit.