Kenyan President William Ruto clarifies cost of private jet for US trip

Kenyan President William Ruto recently traveled to the U.S. for a state visit. He initially said the private jet he used cost $76,000, not $1.2 million as reported by the media. Ruto explained that he chose a cheaper jet offered by friends after considering using Kenya Airways. During his trip, U.S. President Joe Biden praised Ruto for his leadership. However, back in Kenya, there was controversy over the cost of the trip, especially with a large delegation that included musicians and actors. Ruto defended his decision, emphasizing the importance of responsible spending. Ruto has been advocating for reduced government spending, especially after facing criticism for increasing taxes without cutting expenses. He defended the need for new taxes to avoid excessive debt. The president faced backlash for using a private jet, with some questioning the undisclosed friends who provided the aircraft. Ruto clarified that he opted for the private jet after being informed of the high cost of commercial flights. He stressed the importance of setting an example by being mindful of taxpayers' money. Despite Ruto's explanations, the debate over the trip's cost continued online. Some Kenyans raised concerns about the implications of accepting such offers and urged transparency. Ruto's decision to use a private jet instead of Kenya Airways sparked further criticism, with suggestions that using the national airline would have been more cost-effective. The president defended his choice, stating that the private jet was a more economical option. However, critics called for clearer explanations to justify the decision. Overall, President Ruto's trip to the U.S. and the controversy surrounding the cost of the private jet highlighted the ongoing discussions about government spending and accountability in Kenya.