By Peter Ochieng
President William Ruto has denied reports that his recent visit to the United States (US) cost the tax payers up to Sh200 million.
The money was allegedly used to hire a private royal jet the Head of State used to and from the US.
Addressing the nation during this year’s National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi organised by the Senate, Ruto said his trip cost the tax payers less than Sh10 million.
“There is no way I can spend Sh200 million. Let me disclose here that it cost the Republic of Kenya less than Sh10 million. I am not a madman,” he stated.
He added that upon being informed that the cheapest plane to and from the US would cost Sh70 million, he directed his team to book Kenya Airways.
And that is when, the President said, some of his friends, stepped in to ‘salvage the situation.’
“When some friends of mine heard that I was going to travel using Kenya Airways and we have built a big reputation as a country and we have built friends, they asked me how much do you want to pay? I said I was not ready to pay more than Sh20 million. They said bring Sh10 million we’ll give you the plane,” narrated the Head of State.
One then wonders why Ruto, upon coming back, informed Kenyans that it was expensive to travel to the US using a KQ plane.
“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns on my mode of transport to USA. As a responsible steward of public resources and in keeping with my determination for us to live within our means and that I should lead from the front in so doing, the cost was less than travelling on KQ.”
He said that through his stewardship, Kenya will have a balanced died in three years.
While in the US, the President was pictured holding hands with First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto.
The move proved challenging to men back home, including his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi.
“Kenyans are very proud of how you (President Ruto) represented us in the United States, the English was okay; you put Kenya on the map. When you held the hand of the First Lady, you created a lot of problems for many men in the country including Musalia Mudavadi and I,” said Gachagua.
“Pastor Dorcas, I assure you that when the president sends me to the United States, I will hold your hand, but when we are back, please let us return to our lives.”
The cost of President Ruto’s trip to the US elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans, after it reports suggested that he hired a private jet believed to be costly.