On Monday, June 17, 2024, President William Ruto arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from Switzerland, traveling via the national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ). President Ruto’s decision to fly with KQ aligns with his call for austerity measures within the government.
This follows criticism President Ruto faced in May 2024 for using a private jet during his 5-day visit to the United States, a trip reportedly valued at Ksh200 million. On May 30, President Ruto clarified that he chose the private jet over Kenya Airways because it was more cost-effective. According to him, the trip to the United States only cost Ksh10 million, with friends covering the remaining expenses. Speaking at a National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on May 30, President Ruto refuted claims that the US trip cost taxpayers Ksh200 million.
“When I saw the debate on 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 200 million,” Ruto remarked.
Upon his arrival at JKIA on Monday, President Ruto was welcomed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo. Also present were National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.
Notably absent from the welcoming party was Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, sparking rumors of a rift between him and President Ruto. Recently, Deputy President Gachagua had expressed frustration with individuals close to the President, accusing them of trying to exert undue influence over him.
“There are some people who are friends with the President who want to be my boss. Just because you are the President’s friend, you want to become my boss?” Gachagua stated.
