Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday, June 11 boarded a commercial Kenya Airways (KQ) Aircraft enroute to Mombasa.
DP Gachagua was seen boarding the flight at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for his travel to the coastal city.
Gachagua is set to officially open the International Scientific Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya at Sarova White sands hotel in Mombasa later on Wednesday.
In photos and videos seen by The Kenya Times, the deputy president is seen carrying a blue suitcase before he boards the flight.
Other photos showed DP Gachagua having a light moment with a group of people including airport officials before he proceeds to board the flight.
Kenyan React to DP Gachagua Boarding KQ
Kenyans took to social media reacting to the choice by Gachagua to use a commercial flight with a majority lauding the Deputy President for being on the forefront of cutting costs.
Amakanji Thomas while reacting on X (formerly Twitter) pointed out that the DP was struggling to carry his own luggage but lauded the move as a way of cutting on costs.
“Surely is that hand luggage or cabin luggage. You can see DP Rigathi Gachagua trying hard to climb with it and the crew are concerned. This is a good way of cutting costs and it is a good example to other public servants,” reacted Amakanji.
Also Read: Ruto & Gachagua Score D in Latest Polls
Ja Oko on his part said, “Leading by example, DP Gachagua demonstrates the importance of embracing practical solutions and cost-effective measures for official travel.
Obai also echoed the sentiments noting that the move was a good gesture, adding that that’s how leaders should travel together with common people.
“That is how it should be. Those private flights they keep using are an unnecessary and avoidable rip-off on taxpayers,” said LVess.
The DP has since arrived in Mombasa for the International Scientific Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya at Sarova White sands Hotel set to be officially launched on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, where he shall deliver a speech.
Gachagua’s choice of opting to use a commercial flight for his travel comes amid claims that the DP has been facing challenges accessing military helicopters.
Gachagua Arrives late after Transport Issues
In a recent incident, DP Rigathi arrived at an event attended by President William Ruto in a private chopper, a departure from the military helicopters he was accustomed to using.
The second in command attended the Akorino Annual Prayer Conference 2024 held the at Nakuru Boys’ High School in Nakuru County, arriving late after President Ruto in a private chopper.
Also Read: Ruto & Gachagua Issue Clashing Unity Calls at Same Event
In an unexpected turn of events, the DP arrived late in the conference which led to it facing a significant shift in the arrival protocols due to his delay.
Gachagua made his entrance nearly an hour after the service had begun, prompting a reshuffle in the seating arrangements.
In his speech the DP had to apologize to President Ruto for coming in late, citing transport issues and adverse weather conditions.
“I want to apologize to you because of coming late you know I am not an indiscipline person. I was a uniformed officer and, in your government, I am the most disciplined person. I had some trouble with my transport arrangements and then we had weather issues where the take-off was delayed. I was stuck between Longonot and Naivasha for two hours,” he explained.
Besides the Nakuru incident, other reports indicate that DP Gachagua has faced other multiple instances of being denied access to military helicopters for official duties.
Madaraka Day incident
During the Madaraka Day celebrations in Bungoma County, the deputy president was informed that he could not use a military helicopter due to “bad weather”, compelling him to hire a commercial plane.
The Madaraka Day incident marked the third time in a month that Gachagua had encountered such difficulties.
The tension surrounding Gachagua’s access to military aircraft is seen in the broader context of alleged fallout between him and Ruto.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale clarified that the military had not received a formal request from Gachagua’s office, a necessary protocol for the use of military assets.
This protocol involves sending a letter from the Deputy President’s office to the Head of Public Service and the Defence Ministry.
CS Duale had also banned politicians from using military choppers while speaking in an interview saying that the move was in line with a new policy of the Kenya Defence Forces aimed at protecting its assets from misuse.
“The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopters will no longer be used by politicians. The choppers and or other assets will be reserved for specific military duties only including carrying troops and vital operations,” said Duale.
These incidents that have befallen Gachagua have sparked concerns among his allies led by Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga.
Gachagua’s allies have lamented that the DP is being treated unfairly within the government, further calling on President Ruto to clarify Gachagua’s status and ensure he is not sidelined in official matters.
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