Kenyans React After Ruto Claims KQ Is Expensive Than Private Flight He Used To US: "Hapo Umetupima"

• On Sunday, May 26, President William Ruto defended the cost of the private plane he used to the United States of America
• Responding to criticism, Ruto said it would been more expensive had he used the Kenya Airways plane
• However, remarks by the president attracted fury from Kenyans, who doubted the factual basis of Ruto's explanation

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

Nairobi - President William Ruto has come under heavy criticism after attempting to explain why he hired a chartered plane for his US trip.

Why William Ruto hired a private jet

In a tweet, Ruto said he opted to use a private jet because using the Kenya Airways plane would have been much more expensive compared to what he used.

"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.

However, Ruto's statement attracted backlash from Kenyans, who suggested that the president was dishonest with his claims.

Others wondered if the president was asking other Kenyans to avoid using KQ because it was too expensive.

How Kenyans reacted to William Ruto's explanation

Gabriel Oguda:

"Bro, this is not you talking. Kindly blink twice if you need help."

"You better spend 300 million in KQ than hiring a private jet from other countries where are your priorities?"

Anwar Saddat"

"It sounds like you are saying because of KQ, I hired a private jet over KSh 200 million. Is KQ the only flight from Nairobi to Atlanta? Wacha Uongo Bwana!"

Kerry:

"Hakuna kitu unakuanga good in kama PR and lying with a straight face. You deserve an award. Hapo umetupima"

Nutritionist Lucy Chege:

"So we should avoid KQ because it's expensive?"

Kayle:

"So, what's cost-benefit analysis of using KQ compared to Abu Dhabi airlines?"

Which plane did William Ruto use to fly to the USA?

As reported earlier, Ruto flew a chartered Boeing 737-700 business jet operated by Royal Jet of Dubai.

He abandoned the 26-seater Fokker 70ER, Harambee 1, due to its range limitations, as it can only travel for five hours nonstop.

In contrast, the stately Boeing 737-700 aircraft can fly in an ultralong range, exceeding most designed to fly between 10 and 12 hours a day.

What you need to know about the plane that Ruto used

• The private jet Ruto is using is owned and operated by the Royal Jet Group, who described the plane as one of the newest in their fleet, having been added fresh from the factory in 2017.
• According to Royal Jet Group, the airline leads the global premium private aviation sector, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.
• President William Ruto dismissed the belief that the cost of his recent trip to the United States was deliberately inflated.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke