President William Ruto arrived back in Kenya on Monday, June 17, 2024, from Switzerland, traveling aboard the Kenya Airways (KQ).
Upon his arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, President Ruto was warmly received by key government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.
The President departed the country on Thursday, June 13, aboard a chartered plane bound for Brindisi, Puglia, Italy, for the G7 Summit. Later, he continued his journey on the same aircraft to Bürgenstock, Switzerland, for a crucial high-level meeting aimed at fostering peace in Ukraine.
President Ruto’s choice to fly with Kenya Airways for his Swiss trip reflects a significant shift from his recent travel practices, which had sparked public debate. Earlier, during a state visit to the United States, he faced backlash for using a luxurious private jet. Critics argued that the flight’s cost was exorbitant, especially given Kenya’s economic challenges.
Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel in May, President Ruto addressed the controversy surrounding his US trip. He clarified that the flight, which was widely speculated to have cost the Kenyan government Ksh200 million, was actually much less expensive.
“You know when I saw the debate in Kenya as to how I travelled to the US. There were all manners of figures, that ‘this plane is this size, it’s like this, google it. This must have cost Ksh200 million, because the president needed to arrive in style in the US, holding Rachel’s hand’. I am a very responsible steward. There is no way I can spend Ksh200 million. Let me disclose here, that it cost the Republic of Kenya less than Ksh10 million and the rest was covered by my friends,” Ruto stated in May 30, 2024.
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