Fresh details have emerged suggesting President William Ruto privately purchased two Gulfstream G550 jets and leased them to a Canadian aerospace firm—while allegedly billing Kenyan taxpayers millions of shillings per flight hour when using the aircraft for official travel.
What Is a Gulfstream G550?
The Gulfstream G550 is one of the world’s most coveted private jets. A factory-new model carried a list price of around Sh 8 billion—but Gulfstream officially ceased G550 production in 2021, meaning no new units are available from the manufacturer. Pre-owned models currently trade between Sh 2 billion and Sh 6 billion on the open market.
The aircraft’s cabin can be configured to carry up to 16 passengers and sleep eight across up to four living spaces featuring a mix of single and double leather seats and divans. Every seat comes with a personal audio/visual display, while a smartphone app allows passengers to control cabin settings, including window shades, temperature, and live flight information.
The premium “Elite” configuration includes a forward galley with dual coffee makers, a microwave, and a water sterilisation system. Newer models feature heated massage chairs with powered back and leg rests.
With a maximum range of 12,501 kilometres, the G550 can link Washington D.C. with Dubai, London with Singapore, and Tokyo with Los Angeles nonstop.
The Alleged Deal
According to impeccable sources, President Ruto purchased the two jets and leased them to a Canadian aerospace firm — a move that would allow him to earn charter revenue from the aircraft when not in personal use.
However, during his recent official trips to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Norway, and Finland, Ruto reportedly used the same aircraft for travel, with the hire cost billed to Kenyan taxpayers at Sh 5 million per flight hour.
If accurate, the arrangement raises serious questions about conflict of interest and the use of public funds to charter an aircraft privately owned by the sitting president.
CityNews is continuing to investigate this story. Details will be updated as more information emerges.
