COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has defended President William Ruto’s travel expenses for his recent five-day trip to the United States.
Atwoli stressed that using Kenya Airways planes for such a trip was impractical. He pointed out that the logistical and operational constraints of using the national carrier for the President’s international travel justified the choice of a different aircraft.
This defense comes amid public scrutiny and concerns over the costs associated with the President’s travel arrangements.
President Ruto had previously stated that the decision to use a hired jet was made to ensure the prudent use of state resources. A State House official had also noted that the presidential jet, purchased in 1995, is not suitable for long-haul flights to destinations like the United States due to its design, which is optimized for operations within Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Atwoli’s support adds to the ongoing discussions about the practicality and cost-efficiency of the President’s travel choices, especially in light of the constraints and requirements of international diplomatic missions.
“President mzima aende na Kenya Airways ulaya. Ata ukiongea watu wengine wakiskia watakucheka vibaya sana,” he said.
“A President to travel to the US with Kenya Airways. Even if you talk about it and others hear it, they will laugh so much.”
Atwoli said even if Ruto traveled business class, it would still inconvenience him as he would have to share facilities.
“Ata akiwa kwa business angoje mtu mwingine akiwa kwa msalani. President amesimama angoje huyo mtu atoke ndo aingie msalani,” he said.
(Even in business class, he will wait for someone else to finish using the washrooms before he gets his chance)
Atwoli noted that he used Sh200 million to bring Luhyas together in a meeting dubbed Bukhungu I.
“I used more than Sh200 million, ile tulikalisha Musalia kwa kiti,” he said.
President Ruto on Sunday clarified that the cost incurred for his travel to the US was way less than what would have been spent if he had used a Kenya Airways plane.
The President travelled to the US aboard an A6-RJU royal jet.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Ruto said he has received concerns from Kenyans who questioned why he did not use the presidential jet or the Kenya Airways plane in his State Visit to the US.
But in a rejoinder, 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,” Ruto said.
Ruto, however, did not state the amount he used for the hired jet and the amount he would have spent if he had to use a Kenya Airways plane.
