William Ruto Discloses US Trip Was Sponsored By Govt Of United Arab Emirates

• President William Ruto has offered an elaborate explanation regarding the cost of his trip to the United States of America
• Ruto said the United Arab Emirates government offered him the private jet at less than KSh 10 million
• His explanation comes after Kenyans raised questions on Ruto's earlier announcement that his friends sponsored his trip to the US

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 disclosed who sponsored his trip to the United States of America.

Speaking at Safari Park on Thursday, May 30, Ruto announced that his friends sponsored the trip and the Kenyan government spent less than KSh 10 million.

Why did the United Arab Emirates government sponsor Ruto?

Some Kenyans doubted Ruto's statement, wondering which kind of friend funded the president's trip.

However, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed has issued a statement revealing that the United Arab Emirates government sponsored Ruto's trip.

"As explained by the president on Thursday, the cost of the jet he travelled in for the historic and successful US State Visit was offered by friends of Kenya at a relatively low cost. In this specific case, the United Arab Emirates Government offered the aircraft at less than KSh 10 million," Hussein said.

Hussein said the arrangement was possible because of the long-standing good relations between the two countries.

Was the luxurious jet the cheapest flight available?

The government spokesperson pointed out that the luxurious private jet was the most efficient and economical way the president could have travelled to the US

This is how nations operate, supporting and partnering with each other for mutual prosperity, and there are plenty of examples to illustrate this.

"At under KSh 10 million, this was the most efficient and economical way for the President and his delegation to undertake a trip of this magnitude," he added.

Which plane did Ruto hire?

As reported earlier, Ruto opted for a chartered Boeing 737-700 business jet for his four-day visit to the United States instead of the traditional Fokker 70ER.

The Boeing 737-700 from Royal Jet of Dubai can fly nonstop for 10 to 12 hours.

A report by KTN News revealed that the Abu Dhabi-based airline offers charter services for KSh 2.4m per hour.

More reactions to the jet used by Ruto

• President William Ruto's US trip costs sparked a debate among Kenyans for the better part of the weekend.
• Francis 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.
• Ruto defended his course, saying that the flight on the national carrier, Kenya Airways, would have cost more.
• KQ declined reports doing the rounds on social media that the flight would have cost more than KSh 34 million.

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