Muturi accuses Ruto of extravagant travel in hospital-fitted jet abroad
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 13, 2026Former Attorney General and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has claimed that President William Ruto uses a private jet fitted with hospital facilities, making the remarks during a political rally in Kakamega on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Muturi made the claims while addressing residents during an opposition tour of western Kenya. He criticised the president’s travel habits and accused him of spending heavily on luxury foreign trips while ordinary citizens struggle with the cost of living.
In his speech, Muturi used strong language to describe what he said was excessive use of state resources on air travel.
“Huyu mtu anaitwa Kipchirchir Ruto. Mmeskia amekuwa ng’ambo. Anakomboa ndege, private jet, hatoi pesa kutoka kwa mfuko yake,” Muturi told the crowd. He further claimed that the aircraft used by the president is unusually equipped.
He added:
“Ile ndege mpaka iko na hospitali ndani yake. Kwa sababu Kasongo hataki kusimama popote. Akiskia ako na homa anatibiwa kwa ile ndege.”
Muturi suggested that Kenyan taxpayers fund the president’s travel and maintenance of such aircraft. He told residents that public money, not personal wealth, supports the trips and associated costs.
“Sasa wewe mkaaji wa hapa, wewe ndio unagharamia hiyo maneno,” he said, linking the spending directly to citizens.
He also revisited the 2022 election campaign, saying President Ruto made promises about improving household incomes but accused him of failing to deliver. Muturi argued that the cost of governance has instead increased, pointing to frequent foreign trips and high-profile delegations.
Ruto defends foreign travel
The comments come shortly after President Ruto defended his international travel during a town hall meeting with Kenyans in Helsinki, Finland. The president said his trips are official and necessary for diplomacy, trade, and investment.
“I have not come here as a tourist or to waste time; I have come here to make sure we have achieved certain things. I am the chief diplomat of our country,” Ruto said, dismissing criticism over his travel schedule.
The president has faced repeated scrutiny over the use of private or chartered aircraft for some international trips and the overall cost of foreign engagements. Government spending reports have previously shown high allocations for State House travel, which has become a point of political debate.
Muturi’s remarks add to growing political tension between the opposition and the government over public expenditure, leadership priorities, and accountability. His claims about a hospital-equipped private jet have not been independently verified, and the presidency has in past statements defended its travel arrangements as necessary for Kenya’s international engagements.
Ruto travel under fire
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also joined the criticism against President William Ruto, accusing him of extravagant spending on foreign travel while Kenyans struggle with rising living costs. Speaking in May, 2026, Gachagua claimed that the president continues to use luxury private jets for overseas trips, claiming the aircraft feature high-end facilities and cost taxpayers millions of shillings per hour.
“When the country is burning he left on an overseas trip in a private jet. I am told the most luxurious where they are paying 5 million shillings per hour,” he claimed.
“That Jet that he left with is the epitome of luxury with a full bedroom and a massage parlour and a spa with a Jacuzzi, steam sauna and massage parlour has four girls from Seychelles he is enjoying while Kenyans are struggling.”
He argued that such spending reflects a disconnect between the government and ordinary citizens, especially at a time when Kenyans are facing economic pressure from high fuel and commodity prices.