State House has come out to say that the Boeing jet that was used by President William Ruto and his entourage to the USA was paid for by the United Arabs Emirates.
This comes after Kenyans poked holes on claims made by the president that the hired jet to US was cheaper than flying with Kenya Airways.
“As explained by the President on Thursday, the cost of the jet he traveled 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 Sh. 10 million,” a statement by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said.
He went on to illustrate previous collaborations between Kenya and the UAE.
“In 2018, the UAE government donated to Kenya six military-grade FENNEC helicopters and three ECUREUIL trainer aircraft. The donation included accompanying servicing spares, spare parts, and tools, cumulatively valued at Sh. 4 billion,” said Mohamed.
“At under Sh. 10 million, this was the most efficient and economical way for the President and his delegation to undertake a trip of this magnitude.”
On Thursday, Kenyans had poked holes on these claims after President Ruto alleged that he had offered to pay Sh. 20 million for the plane but the UAE had instead asked him for Sh. 10 million.
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Calculations on what the plane which is owned by Royal Jet Dubai would charge for the flight to US indicated an exorbitant cost of over Sh. 200 million for all legs of the flight.
