Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has called out Kenyans questioning President William Ruto‘s cost of travel to the United States of America terming them unpatriotic.
Mwaura said the benefits of Ruto’s state visit to the US far much outweighs the cost of his travel.
“Rais ameenda kutafutia wakulima soko,kwa hivyo hayo maswali watu wanauliza ni ya kiupuzi. Hao ni watu ambao hawatakii kenya mazuri, Kwenda huko ibilisi pepo mbaya, atarudi na zaidi ya hio fare mara mia moja”.
This loosely translates to, ‘The president has gone to sought market for Kenyan farmers, and therefore the cost of the jet does not compare to the benefits Kenya will gain from the visit.’
Mwaura also reiterated that Ruto is the first African head of state to be invited by US President Joe Biden for a state visit since 2008.
Isaac Mwaura on the Cost of Ruto’s Trip
The government spokesperson said those interested in knowing the cost of the president’s trip are missing the bigger picture of the benefits likely to be accrued.
“The President has gone as the elder of the Kenyan community and you are asking what the cost of fare is, yet he will come back with more than that fare in millions,” added Mwaura.
Also Read: Details of Ruto Ksh 23B Coca-Cola & Education Deal in US
Earlier, a section of Kenyans questioned how much the president’s trip would cost taxpayers after State House chartered a Boeing 737-700 business jet operated by Royal Jet of Dubai.
The cost of chartering this jet said to have world class travel amenities is approximately $18,000 per hour.
This luxurious aircraft, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, caters to the luxury market between the UAE, Europe, and the USA.
Also, a one-way flight from Nairobi to Atlanta, amounts to $748,600 (Ksh98 million) as quoted by Royal Jet, for the 18-hour journey.
Therefore, with the head of state’s round trip to Washington, which is nearly a two-hour flight, the total cost could surpass Ksh200 million.
Also Read: Ruto to Exempt Kenyans Abroad from Paying Tax
Ruto in the US
President William Ruto arrived in the US on May 20, for his state visit.
He began his tour by visiting the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, in Atlanta where he gave a speech and proceeded to Dr Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change in t
On his second day, Ruto visited the Atlanta University Centre with an aim of strengthening educational ties between the US and Kenya. He also visited the Tyler Perry Studios flanked by other leaders and comedian Eddie Butita.
This tour is aimed at bolstering Kenya’s creative economy and exploring collaborative opportunities.
William Ruto’s trip will end after meeting his host, President Joe Biden for the main bilateral meetings on May 23.
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