Narok County Senator Ledama Olekina has cast doubt on President William Ruto’s assertion that the jet utilized for his recent state visit to the United States came at a cost of less than Ksh10 million to the Kenyan taxpayers.
Addressing President Ruto on Friday, May 31, 2024, via his official X account, Ledama expressed skepticism regarding Ruto’s assertion that he was offered the royal jet by his acquaintances.
“Good morning Mr. President if you were given a luxury jet for 10M one that cost US$200M what do you give the ‘philanthropist’ in return?’ Ledama published.
Ledama is urging the head of state to disclose to Kenyans what he provided in exchange for such an offer, considering the significant expense of up to Ksh200 million for a round-trip flight to the US.
President William Ruto on Thursday, May 30, 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.
