By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Days after returning to the country following his highly publicized visit to the United States of America, President William Ruto is set to make yet another high-profile foreign visit.
According to President Ruto, the upcoming visit will see him address the 57 summit.
G7, also known as The Group of Seven is an intergovernmental political and economic forum consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Additionally, the European Union is a “non-enumerated member”.
The 50th G7 summit is set to be held from 13 to 15 June 2024 in the city of Fasano in Apulia, Italy.
This means the Head of State will be jetting out for another foreign trip barely two weeks after the visit to the US.
The trip was faced with criticism after reports that the government had paid a whooping Ksh200 million to hire a private jet that carried the President and his delegation.
On Sunday, the President defended the use of the private jet, instead of the National Career – Kenya Airways, pointing out that it was a cheaper option.
“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,” Ruto posted on his social media pages.
The post however elicited mixed reactions, with some Kenyans expressing difficulties believing it.
But on Thursday, May 30, 2024, the Head of State revealed that the trip cost the taxpayer only Ksh10 million. This is after what he said a friend donated the private jet for use during his US tour.
“I am a very responsible steward. Believe you me. There is no way I can spend Ksh200 million,” he said during a National Prayer Breakfast.