Francis Atwoli Defends William Ruto KSh 200m Flight To US: "You Must Exhibit Your Power"

• COTU-K secretary general Francis Atwoli defended President Ruto against critics, emphasising the importance of dignified conduct in leadership positions
• Atwoli argued that a president flying on a regular commercial flight would be inappropriate, citing the need for leaders to command respect and maintain high standards
• He advised leaders to live and think well, be focused, and avoid associations that could undermine their status
• Atwoli shared his own practice of flying first class for conferences, stating that leaders should not associate with poverty and must carry themselves with dignity

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kakamega - Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) secretary general Francis Atwoli has told off President William Ruto's critics.

During the burial of Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe's late mother, Agneta Nerima Wangwe, on Friday, May 24, Atwoli stated that everyone strives to live well.

Atwoli stated that once one gets into a powerful position, they must conduct themselves in a way that commands respect.

The COTU boss stated that it would be absurd if Ruto had opted to fly on a Kenya Airways plane, adding that anybody suggesting that would be a laughing stock.

"You must live well, think well, be focused, and be in command of everything around you in leadership. Suggesting that a sitting president should travel to Europe on Kenya Airways; even if you mention this to others, they will laugh at you.

"Imagine the president waiting for someone to use the toilet on a plane, standing and waiting for that person to come out. Travelling to America takes over 18 hours, sometimes even 20 hours, because of stopovers," he said.

What is Atwoli's advice to leaders?

Atwoli urged leaders to conduct themselves in a way that befits their position in leadership, including who they associate with or eat,

"Once you are elected, you are no longer just a voter; you are the executive CEO of your constituency. If you used to drink local brew, you cannot go back to that. You are a manager, and you must exhibit your managerial power," he stated.

He revealed that when travelling for conferences outside Kenya, he always flies in first class, which is equal to his status.

"Do not associate yourself with poverty. Nobody wants to be associated with a poor person. Poverty is the enemy. As an MP, do not wear a suit from Turkey! You’ll never see me in economy class; when I travel to Europe, I fly first class because I speak for Africa, for Kenya, and I must carry myself with that dignity," Atwoli added.

How much does Boeing 737-700 charge?

Investigations into the jet reveal that the Abu Dhabi-based airline offers charter services at a rate of KSh 2.4 million per hour, meaning a one-way 18-hour flight from Nairobi to Atlanta costs KSh 98 million.

The president's choice of the jet is attributed to its ultralong-range capability, surpassing most aircraft designed for flights lasting between 10 and 12 hours a day.

He was accompanied by various leaders, including Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke