Barack Muluka, the former Amani National Congress (ANC) Secretary General, has criticized President William Ruto for accepting a private jet offered by his “friends” for a state visit to the United States, costing only Sh10 million. Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Friday, Muluka questioned the motives behind such a generous offer and its implications for Kenya.
Muluka emphasized that President Ruto’s acceptance of the private jet, valued at Sh70 million but provided for only Sh10 million, constitutes a violation of the Kenyan constitution. He highlighted that such transactions are inappropriate for state matters, as they can compromise the integrity of state officers.
“The issue here is that we are not dealing with a private wedding. We are dealing with a State visit by a State officer to another State, and we are dealing with humongous donations contrary to the constitution of Kenya,” Muluka stated.
Muluka argued that by accepting this offer, President Ruto has compromised Article 76(2)(b) of the constitution, which seeks to prevent state officers from accepting gifts or donations that may influence their official duties.
He warned that such actions could lead Kenya down a path similar to that of South Africa, where former President Jacob Zuma was removed from office due to involvement in compromising deals.
“We are in the space where the integrity of the state officer in line with Article 76(2)(b) of the constitution is likely to be compromised. We are finding ourselves as a country where the South Africans were a few years ago when President Jacob Zuma was involved in deals of this kind. These are weighty matters that compromise the integrity of the State and its security,” Muluka said.
