President William Ruto has revealed that his recent trip to the United States cost only Ksh10 million.Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on Thursday, May 30, 2024, President Ruto addressed the controversy surrounding the expense of his US trip, which some claimed amounted to Ksh200 million of taxpayer money.
“When I saw the debate about my trip to the US, with some saying the plane cost Ksh200 million because the president wanted to arrive in style holding Rachel’s hand, there was no way it cost that much,” President Ruto stated. “The trip cost the Republic of Kenya less than Ksh10 million.”
He further explained that while the overall cost of the US trip was Ksh70 million, his friends contributed Ksh60 million, leaving him to cover the remaining balance.
“Some friends told me to bring Ksh10 million and they would pay the rest. Look at me, Kenyans, I must lead from the front,” he said.
President Ruto made these comments following his state visit to the US from May 20 to 24, 2024.
His remarks came a few days after he clarified on Sunday, May 26, that his private jet to the US was more cost-effective than flying with Kenya Airways.
He traveled to the US on an A6-RJU royal jet.
In a statement on X, Ruto explained that his choice of aircraft for the US trip was guided by his commitment to responsible 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, the cost was less than traveling on KQ,” Ruto said.
However, the president did not disclose the exact cost of the chartered jet or the potential expenses of a Kenya Airways flight.
