President William Ruto has disclosed that his trip to the United States of America cost only Ksh10 million.
Speaking during a National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on Thursday May 30, 2024, President Ruto dismissed allegations of his US trip costing Ksh200 million of the taxpayers money.
“When I saw the debate on my trip to US, some saying the plane costed Ksh200M because the president wanted to arrive in style holding Rachel’s hand, there was no way it cost 200M.
“The trip cost the republic of Kenya less than Ksh10M,” said President Ruto.
The president added that the overall cost for the US trip was Ksh70 million but his friends paid Ksh60 million for him as he cleared the remaining balance.
“Some friends however told me to bring Ksh10M and they will pay the rest. Look at me Kenyans, I must lead from the front,” he said.
This was after the president embarked on a strip to the US for a state visit that lasted from Monday 20th to 24th May 2024.
His remarks emerged a few days after he clarified on Sunday May 26, that his private jet to the US was much cheaper than the cost of KQ flights.
He traveled to the US on an A6-RJU royal jet.
In a statement on X, Ruto responded by explaining that his selection of the plane for the US trip was based on his commitment to using State resources.
“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns about my mode of transport to the 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 said.
The president however, did not disclose the cost of the chartered jet or the potential expenses for a Kenya Airways flight.
