By Marline Atieno
President William Ruto has disclosed the expenses associated with his recent trip to the United States amidst mounting criticism.
The revelation comes as a response to concerns raised regarding the cost of the journey.
During his address at the National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi, Ruto disclosed that the expenditure for the private plane amounted to less than Ksh10 million, funded by Kenyan taxpayers.
“I am a responsible custodian, there’s no scenario in which I would spend Ksh200 million. In fact, let me reveal that it actually amounted to less than Ksh10 million for the Republic of Kenya,” he asserted.
The President disclosed that upon learning that the most economical plane option was Ksh70 million, he instructed his team to secure transportation via the national courier.
However, the President mentioned that when some of his friends learned about his travel plans, they provided him with a more affordable plane option.
“My friends inquired about my budget, and I told them I was unwilling to pay more than Ksh20 million. They then offered me the plane for Ksh10 million,” he disclosed.
The disclosure has sparked mixed reactions from various quarters, with some commending the President for his transparency, while others remain sceptical about the overall cost-effectiveness of such trips.
He stressed his commitment to implementing moderation measures.
Ruto reaffirmed his dedication to guiding the country responsibly by adhering to these measures and reducing his expenses.
The Head of State addressed the ongoing debate about the cost of his US trip, urging Kenyans to focus on the benefits that the trip brought to the country.
Ruto mentioned that he had directed National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u, Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo and others to ensure this objective is met.