Kenya defends cost of jet for President Ruto’s trip

Kenya’s government has defended the cost of President William Ruto’s trip to the US. The price of hiring the luxury private jet in which he and his delegation travelled is estimated to be $1.5m, according to Kenya’s private KTN TV station. More than 30 people, including a popular comedian, are reported to be accompanying the president, who landed in Atlanta, Georgia.

Update

Africa News reports that President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on Monday, May 20, kicking off a state visit to Washington. The Atlanta visit marks the beginning of Kenya’s diplomatic engagement with the United States where Ruto delivered a speech on governance and democratic values at the Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta.

Ruto is scheduled to be hosted by US President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., on May 23.