State says Ruto's jet hired for Sh18.5m

The government on Sunday said Deputy President William Ruto's plane was hired for Sh18.5 million on a one-off basis for foreign trip and in the interest of his personal security. Read (Ruto’s luxury jet hire to cost Sh100m)

In a press statement, the government said the hiring of the jet to West Africa nations trip by Mr Ruto was necessary because there hardly exists any scheduled or commercial flights connecting between the capitals.

"A Commercial flight would have cost more because it would entail circuitous and torturous trips to European capitals and back in just to pick up connecting flights," said the statement.

"In fact, by chartering the flight, the Deputy President has been able to realise this at a very cost-effective means," it added.

The government also noted that there was no contract of one-year lease between Kenya and VistaJet, the firm that hired out the plane.

"The plane was hired on a one-off basis at a cost of Sh18.5 million. This figure is in fact less than that quoted by local companies, which was Sh19 million. Those interested can confirm this with the company," said the statement.

"According to official records of similar trips in the past it would have cost upto Sh15 million for a travel to a single country. If the Deputy President had used the traditional one trip at a time like his predecessors, it would have cost more and months to complete," added the statement.

Mr Ruto visited Congo Brazzaville, Gabon, Nigeria and Ghana where he met the respective Heads of State and shared with them Kenya’s vision.

"The Deputy President was able to discuss issues of the deployment of an African Rapid Deployment Force, which will be at the disposal of and funded by African Nations," the statement said.