Indian TV Slams William Ruto Over Expensive US Trip, High Taxation: "If It Moves, He Taxes It"

• William Ruto faced criticism from Indian TV station Firstpost for his extravagant state visit to the US
• The visit included a large delegation of over 30 people, including comedian Eddie Butita, sparking backlash for the alleged use of taxpayers' money
• Firstpost highlighted the contradiction between Ruto's lavish spending and his fiscal policies, which have increased taxes and preached austerity

President William Ruto, accompanied by his family and delegation, arrived in the US on Monday, May 20, for a four-day visit.

The cost of hiring the luxury private jet used for their travel is estimated at KSh 200 million.

William Ruto faces backlash for lavish US trip

In an editorial segment, Firstpost TV highlighted the jet's opulence and questioned the necessity of a 30-person delegation, including a comedian, funded by taxpayer money.

"President William Rutro is being slammed, not because he's in the US but because of how he chose to get there. He decided to fly in a luxury jet. Ruto pulled out all the stops. He brought along an entourage of more than 30 people, including a famous Kenyan comedian. Everyone travelled to the US in style on the Kenyan taxpayers' dime, and this, more than anything else, has triggered the backlash," news anchor Palki Sharma said.

Did Ruto's costly visit contradict his fiscal policies?

Firstpost acknowledged the importance of international travel for leaders to build relations and negotiate trade deals but deemed Ruto's trip excessively lavish.

They argued that such luxury contradicts Ruto's policies, particularly since he took office in 2022, increased taxes, and advocated fiscal responsibility.

"Ruto has been stringent with Kenyan taxpayers. Since becoming president in 2022, he has raised taxes on salaries, doubled the sales tax on fuel, introduced a housing levy, a hospital insurance levy, and a turnover tax on small businesses. His motto seems to be: if it moves, tax it—all in the name of fiscal responsibility. Yet, he's flying around in an Emirati jet with a large entourage, including a comedian.

"This stark contrast between his actions and his preached austerity is why Kenyans are outraged. And this isn’t an isolated incident; he's made over 50 foreign trips since taking office (sic)," Sharma continued.

Eddie Butita accompanies Ruto to US

Earlier, comedian Eddie Butita expressed his gratitude on social media for being selected by the head of state to accompany him to the US.

The content creator said Ruto's commitment to supporting the entertainment industry is evident in his decision to allow him to participate in the delegation.

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