President William Ruto’s recent state visit to the US has come under fire from Indian TV station Firstpost. The criticism focuses on the trip’s extravagance, including a 30-person delegation and a KSh 200 million luxury jet. Comedian Eddie Butita’s inclusion raised eyebrows over taxpayer money use.
In a pointed editorial, Firstpost TV’s Palki Sharma highlighted the trip’s opulence and questioned its necessity.
“President William Ruto 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 traveled to the US in style on the Kenyan taxpayers’ dime, and this, more than anything else, has triggered the backlash,” Sharma said.
President Ruto’s Extravagance Criticized
The station underscored the contradiction between Ruto’s lavish spending and his stringent fiscal policies. Since taking office in 2022, Ruto has implemented significant tax increases and advocated for 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.” Sharma noted.
Firstpost acknowledged the need for international travel to build relations and negotiate trade deals but criticized the excessive luxury of Ruto’s trip.
“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,” Sharma added
By Vivian K