Sh2.3 million per hour private jet: The lavish and costly Raila Odinga AUC campaign trail
Adding to the controversy is the government's lack of clarity on the budget allocated for the AUC campaign.
As the race for the African Union Commission's (AUC) top seat intensifies, Kenya's candidate Raila Odinga has embarked on a high-stakes lobbying campaign across the continent.
This week, his trip to Algeria has garnered attention for its political significance and exorbitant cost.
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Sources have confirmed that Odinga travelled to Algiers aboard a luxurious private VistaJet, a Bombardier Challenger 605 business jet operated by Malta-based VistaJet.
This premium aircraft, known for its spacious cabin and long-range capabilities, reportedly costs $18,000 per hour, translating to Sh2.3 million per hour
The jet, capable of flying directly from Nairobi to Algiers without refuelling, reflects the high-end nature of Odinga's travel arrangements, raising concerns about public spending.
Kenyans are questioning why such extravagant measures are being financed by taxpayers, especially given Odinga's previous criticism of government excess during his time in opposition.
Wasteful government spending
Many have pointed out his sharp pivot from being a vocal opponent of wasteful government spending to now benefiting from it.
Adding to the controversy is the government's lack of clarity on the budget allocated for the AUC campaign.
During an interview on NTV last Sunday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi avoided questions about the precise amount spent.
Although he dismissed claims of a Sh10 billion allocation as "unfounded rumours," Mudavadi failed to provide any concrete figures or details, leaving Kenyans and political observers sceptical.
"If we were to put some resources, as a government, take it from me; it can never be 10 billion," Mudavadi stated. Yet, his vague assurances have done little to quell public outrage, particularly at a time when many Kenyans are grappling with a high cost of living.
The juxtaposition is stark: as Kenyan children struggle to access basic learning resources and families battle rising inflation, the use of taxpayer money to fund lavish political campaigns has sparked a fierce debate.
Fiscal prudence
Critics argue that while lobbying for the AUC position is important for Kenya's influence on the African stage, it must be done transparently and with fiscal prudence.
The private jet's steep hourly costs — compounded by significant parking fees — only serve to highlight the disconnect between the political elite and ordinary citizens.
This lack of accountability raises fundamental questions: how much is Kenya spending on this campaign? And what oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure responsible use of public funds?
Despite the AUC lobbying effort being undoubtedly ambitious, the government's silence on these matters has fuelled suspicions of inadequate checks and balances.
Critics contend that this could set a dangerous precedent for unaccountable spending on future diplomatic campaigns.
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