Azimio Slams Ruto’s Extravagant US Flight Amid Economic Woes

Azimio coalition has raised concerns over President William Ruto’s use of an extravagant Sh200 million luxury flight to the United States deeming it a wasteful expenditure.

The opposition party’s criticism comes amid a backdrop of economic hardship with many Kenyans grappling with the consequences of the flood crisis and in dire need of aid. The controversy surrounding Ruto’s travel arrangements has been further fueled by the US embassy in Nairobi’s clarification that the host did not bear the cost of the President’s flight. Instead, Ruto travelled on a Boeing Business Jet, a 737-700, hired from Abu Dhabi’s Royal Jet Group, at a staggering cost of nearly Sh2.4 million per hour for the 18-hour flight, amounting to a one-way fare of Sh98 million.

Opposition lawmakers have vehemently questioned the government’s ability to afford such extravagances amidst the country’s pressing economic challenges. Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo has called for the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the expenses incurred during Ruto’s trip, criticizing State House’s lavish spending as a stark contrast to the President’s calls for austerity. Senator Enoch Wambua has urged the committee tasked with investigating Ruto’s actions to maintain impartiality and not overlook any potential transgressions.

Wambua cites a past incident where the committee failed to hold Ruto accountable for the ‘Hustler Jet’ scandal in which the then-Deputy President spent Sh100 million on hiring a jet for a diplomatic tour of West African countries in 2013. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has also criticized Ruto for failing to consider more cost-effective travel options, highlighting the government’s hypocrisy in cutting funding for vital programs while indulging in unnecessary luxuries. Ruto’s decision to travel with a large delegation, including political figures, businessmen, assistants, and artists, has drawn further criticism.

This move goes against the President’s orders to limit delegation sizes to essential personnel only. Among the group accompanying Ruto are First Lady Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and several governors and majority leaders. The public has questioned why Ruto did not opt for a Kenya Airways flight, which could have promoted the national airline’s brand while potentially offering a more cost-effective solution. While Ruto has been known to choose commercial air travel over private flights in the past, the logistical and security challenges associated with his current trip have necessitated the use of a private jet.

Kenya’s presidential jet, known as Harambee One or the Fokker 70ER, has a limited range and cannot make a non-stop journey across the Atlantic. On previous foreign trips such as his State visit to India in December 2023, Ruto utilized this aircraft, departing from Dubai after attending the Cop 28 summit.