Mystery of Ruto’s million-dollar Boeing jet 'gift from friends' used for US trip

President William Ruto's recent state visit to the United States aboard a luxurious private jet has stirred controversy and raised questions about accountability and transparency.

Ruto has defended the cost of the trip, insisting that taxpayers only footed a modest sum of Sh10 million for the jet hire, rather than the previously reported figures of Sh200 million.

“I am a very responsible steward believe you me. There is no way I can spend Sh200 million. In fact, it cost the Republic of Kenya less than Sh10 million. I am not a mad man. When I was told the cheapest plane was Sh70 million, I told my office to go and book Kenya Airways...some friends asked me how much I wanted to pay. I said I wasn’t ready to pay more than Sh10 million. They told me to bring the money and they gave me the plane,” explained Ruto, who spoke when he took centre stage at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday morning at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi.

President William Ruto: When I saw the debate about how I travelled to the US...people claiming this must have cost Sh200 million because the President needed to arrive in style. I am a very responsible steward. There is no way I can spend Sh200 million. It cost Kenya less than… pic.twitter.com/WhG06GuZTF

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) May 30, 2024

However, concerns linger over the source of the jet, with implications of geopolitical influence looming large.

While Ruto maintains that the jet was provided by "friends," the identity of these individuals remains undisclosed.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

The Kenyan General Code of Conduct and Ethics for public officers allows them to accept a gift given to them in their official capacity but it is limited.

President William Ruto accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto when they were received by the First Lady of the United States of America Jill Biden at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, USA on May 22, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

As per Article 76 of The Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Leadership and Integrity Act of 2012, gifts presented to Ruto during official duties are designated as 'gifts to the country.'

"A state officer may receive a gift given to the state officer in an official capacity, provided that the gift is within the ordinary bounds of propriety, a usual expression of courtesy or protocol and within the ordinary standards of hospitality," the Act reads in part.

With respect to who can gift the Head of State, the law states that Ruto cannot be gifted by any person or institution that has contracts in Kenya.

This is because of a conflict of interest.

"A state officer shall not accept or solicit gifts, hospitality or other benefits from a person who has a contractual or legal relationship with the state officer’s organisation," reads the act in part.

Further, gifts received by the president have to be documented and reported to the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) which is mandated to create laws regulating the gifting of state officers.

The United States, known for its diplomatic finesse, showcased its hospitality by rolling out the red carpet for the Kenyan leader.

However, it’s worth noting that the US has stringent laws regarding gifts to the Executive branch.

US President Joe Biden receives his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto at the White House on May 22, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Specifically, the President is prohibited from accepting personal gifts from foreign governments and officials.

Breaking down the numbers

The Eastleigh Voice's story "Million dollar high-flying luxury: Kenya's 'hustler-in-chief' wings to US showed the optics of Ruto enjoying the luxuries of an Emirati Boeing Business jet costing $18,000 (equivalent to approximately Sh2,349,000) per flying hour, particularly for a state visit, are concerning amid pressing socio-economic challenges facing Kenya.

The flight duration from Nairobi to Atlanta is approximately 19 hours, which means it would cost the Kenyan taxpayer roughly Sh71,404,500 for Ruto's trip to Atlanta alone.

In an overall price quote for chartering a private jet for a trip from Nairobi to Atlanta, Washington DC, and back to Nairobi, with the jet originating from Abu Dhabi, several factors are included.

One is the cost of flying hours for the entire trip, including positioning the aircraft from Abu Dhabi to Nairobi, then flying to Atlanta, Washington, and back to Nairobi, before returning to Abu Dhabi.

There are also fees associated with every landing, take off, parking, and handling of the aircraft at each airport along the route, as well as airport taxes and fees, and catering.

Details suggest that the entire trip using a BBJ from Abu Dhabi may have cost Kenyan taxpayers over Sh200 million for a 34-seater plane, with uncertainty about whether it was at full capacity.

In contrast, other delegations opted for commercial flights, raising questions about the expenses incurred.

However, Ruto has insisted that he is committed to fiscal responsibility.

“Look at me, Kenyans, look at me again. I must lead from the front as I tell others to tighten their belts. So, relax, and let the debate end because I am that responsible. We will ensure we live within our means,” Ruto said on Thursday.