Barack Muluka has slammed a blistering attack on President William Ruto, denouncing his recent revelation about a purportedly cheap private jet offer for his official trip to the United States.
During an interview with a local TV station on Friday, May 31, 2024, the ex-Secretary General of the Amani National Congress (ANC) pressed for clarity on the motives of these associates within Kenya.
“The crux of the matter is this: we’re not discussing a private wedding. What’s at stake is a State visit by a State officer to another nation, with mammoth donations that fly in the face of Kenya’s constitution.”
According to Barack, President Ruto himself received the donations, directly breaching Kenya’s constitution.
“President Ruto compromised with Article 76(2)(b) of the constitution by accepting a Ksh70 million private jet for Ksh10 million,” he asserted.
Barack expressed concern that the integrity of the state officer, as outlined in Article 76(2)(b) of the constitution, might be compromised.
He likened the situation to that of South Africa a few years prior, when President Jacob Zuma was embroiled in similar deals. He emphasized that these were significant issues that jeopardized the integrity and security of the State.
President William Ruto on Thursday, May 30, 2024, during National Prayer Breakfast, defended himself over his recent state visit to the United States.
The cost of this opulent journey, spanning from Nairobi to Atlanta and onward to Washington D.C ., was purported to have depleted taxpayers’ funds by approximately Ksh.98 million, with projections suggesting a round trip expense exceeding Ksh.200 million.
“I am an extremely conscientious steward. Trust me when I say, there is no chance I would ever sanction an expenditure of Ksh.200 million. The total cost of the Republic of Kenya was less than Ksh.10 million. I assure you, I am not a spindrift,” Ruto asserted.
Ruto recounted that upon learning of the Ksh.70 million price tag for the most economical option, he instructed his office to arrange travel via Kenya Airways..
“Direct your attention to me, fellow Kenyans, and please take this carefully. I am committed to setting an example by leading from the forefront. While I advocate for austerity measures, I must lead by personal example. Therefore, let’s put this debate to rest,” Ruto stated.