After sparking a national uproar in May over his decision to spend millions on chartering a private jet for his U.S. tour, President William Ruto now seems to have embraced using the national carrier for his international travels.
Recently, as he resumed his foreign trips following political unrest and mass demonstrations, President Ruto has been notably traveling with Kenya Airways. During his visit to the White House, where he was welcomed with great fanfare by President Joe Biden, Ruto used a private Boeing 737-700, which sources claimed cost Kenyan taxpayers over Ksh.200 million. Ruto disputed this figure.
The revelations drew severe criticism online, with many Kenyans condemning what they saw as reckless spending by his administration. After returning to Kenya, Ruto attempted to quell the backlash by claiming that his “friends” had offered him the plane after the Kenya Airways bill became too high. He asserted that the chartered jet cost taxpayers less than Ksh.10 million ($77,000) with the support of these “friends of Kenya,” though he did not identify them.
“People have given all manner of figures… that the plane cost Sh200 million because the President needed to arrive in style holding Rachel’s hand. You know I’m a very responsible citizen; believe me, there is no way I can spend Sh200 million. In fact, let me disclose here that it cost the Republic of Kenya less than Sh10 million,” he stated.
Ruto explained that he had asked his office to book him on Kenya Airways, only to be informed that the cheapest chartered Kenya Airways flight would cost Ksh.70 million ($538,000). When some of his friends learned of this, they offered to cover the cost, suggesting he pay only Ksh.10 million for the plane.
Now, just three months later, President Ruto seems to have adopted Kenya Airways as his preferred choice for international travel. On a recent trip to China, he flew on a Kenya Airways plane, with his social media team showcasing images of him proudly disembarking from the national carrier. Similarly, while traveling to Germany for an official visit, he again chose Kenya Airways.
This apparent shift in preference not only signals a vote of confidence in Kenya Airways but also serves as a subtle message to Kenyans and travelers at large to support the national carrier. While the reasons for his change of heart remain unclear, the move is seen as a significant endorsement of Kenya Airways and a call for national pride in the carrier.
