Aasai

Aldai Member of Parliament Marianne Kitany has come out in strong defense of President William Ruto’s ballooning travel budget, arguing that the increased allocation is essential for the Head of State to connect with ordinary Kenyans. Her remarks come amid mounting criticism over the government’s spending priorities at a time when millions of citizens are facing economic hardship.

Speaking during a Citizen TV interview on Tuesday, Kitany justified the rising local travel expenditure by stating that the Presidents frequent tours across the country are vital for development. According to her, the President needs sufficient resources to reach citizens on the ground, listen to their needs, and respond effectively. “When we increase his budget, he is able to travel and listen to people on the ground. Then we start complaining that we are using too much money. Yet, when a president travels, theres a lot of planning involved,” she noted.

The government’s official expenditure records show that President Ruto’s local travel budget soared to Ksh.1.7 billion in just the first nine months of the 2024/2025 financial year — a significant rise from Ksh.750 million spent in the same period the previous year. This sharp increase has stirred public debate, with critics arguing that the spending contradicts the President’s own austerity commitments.

MP Kitany, however, dismissed the criticism, urging Kenyans to appreciate the Presidents outreach efforts. She argued that Ruto cannot afford to travel “lean” due to his status as the symbol of national unity, which requires enhanced protection and logistical planning. “He has tried to cut down, but you have to understand that his travels are not personal; they are part of his duty to the nation,” she added.

She further stated that the success of the Presidents outreach should be measured not by cost alone, but by the impact of the visits. “What matters is the work being done and how the President uses that feedback to shape the development agenda,” she said, emphasizing that face-to-face engagement with citizens strengthens democracy and accountability.

However, her remarks were sharply challenged by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who accused the President of extravagance and misuse of public funds. Wamuchomba cited a recent incident where President Ruto allegedly flew into her constituency in a convoy of nine helicopters, a journey she says would have taken just 12 minutes by road with no traffic.

“Is that what you call listening to people?” Wamuchomba questioned. “He came to my constituency not to engage, but to lecture me for rejecting the Finance Bill. That’s not outreach, that’s intimidation at the cost of taxpayers.”

Wamuchomba said the public should not be fooled by symbolic visits while Kenyans continue to bear the burden of high fuel prices, new taxes, and rising living costs. She further criticized the President’s failure to uphold his June 26 promise to implement austerity measures following his decision to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

“The President made a vow to cut down on government spending after public backlash, but now we are seeing even more spending—on travel no less. That’s hypocrisy,” Wamuchomba lamented.

The heated debate reflects growing tension between the government’s financial priorities and the economic realities facing ordinary Kenyans. While some leaders like Kitany see the President’s travels as necessary for inclusive governance, others like Wamuchomba view them as lavish displays of power at a time when public patience is wearing thin.

As the country enters a critical phase of economic recovery and political reorganization, the conversation around government accountability, transparency, and prudent use of public resources is likely to intensify. Whether President Ruto’s grassroots tours will translate into meaningful change—or remain a costly political theater—remains to be seen.