Fury As Ruto Flaunts Luxury Charter, Snubs Harambee One That Kindiki Boarded

President William Ruto is facing questions over his choice of aircraft for the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Ruto arrived in Harare on October 21, 2026, aboard a privately chartered Boeing 737-8DV BBJ2, registration T7-BBJ2, despite the return of Kenya’s refurbished presidential aircraft, Harambee One.

The luxury jet is reportedly chartered at between KSh1.6 million and KSh2.4 million per flight hour. Depending on the duration of the journey and additional charges, the total bill could run into millions of shillings. The government has not disclosed the cost of the charter.

The decision has attracted attention because Harambee One returned to Kenya in August 2026 after nearly a year of maintenance and refurbishment in the Netherlands.

So far, the government has not explained why Ruto opted for a private jet for the Zimbabwe trip instead of using the presidential aircraft.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, meanwhile, travelled aboard Harambee One. On Saturday, October 24, he flew to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, aboard a Kenya Air Force Fokker 70.

Kindiki was travelling to attend the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, which brings together African leaders and experts to discuss peace and security challenges across the continent.

The contrast between the two trips has raised questions about the government’s choice of aircraft for official travel, particularly the cost of chartering a private jet while the presidential plane is available.

Kenyans are now awaiting an official explanation of why Ruto used the privately hired aircraft and how much the government spent on the journey to Zimbabwe.

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