President William Ruto on Monday June 17, 2024 landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from Switzerland using the national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ). 

President Ruto’s choice to fly with KQ was in line with his call for austerity measures within the government. 

This comes barely a month after President Ruto was castigated in May 2024 for using a private jet for his 5-day visit to the United States (US), which was allegedly valued at Ksh200 million.

However the Head of State on May 30, clarified that he opted to use the private jet instead of the national carrier, Kenya Airways because it was cheaper. 

According to Ruto, his trip to the United States of America cost only Ksh10 million and the rest of the money was paid by his friends.

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.

Upon arrival at JKIA on Monday, the President was received by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and his Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo. 

Also present at JKIA was National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot who welcomed the president.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was not part of the team that welcomed the President from his Italy/Switzerland trip.

Gachagua’s absence has sparked rumors of alleged divisions between the deputy president and his boss, President William Ruto.

Recently, the deputy president had differed with people working closely with the President, accusing them of trying to order him around. 

“There are some people who are friends with the President who want to be my boss. Just because you are the President’s friend you want to become my boss?” Gachagua noted.