Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua flew to Botswana on a military plane when he recognized the government was in financial distress.
On his social media platforms, the DP recently posted photographs of himself boarding a military plane in Southern Africa. He also shared his journal of events in the country, emphasizing the need to strengthen ties between Kenya and Botswana.
We investigated ways to make it easier for our professionals who live and work in Botswana, which has over 3,000 Kenyans. "We will continue to improve our collaboration under the framework of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation, which was signed by the two countries in 2001," he said.
I arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, Saturday afternoon on a four day working engagement. Key among the engagements will be to represent President @WilliamsRuto at the 2023 Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa, which recognises the best in youth entrepreunership, Tech, Sports, Culture, the… pic.twitter.com/W5U5ZnPqR8
— H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH (@rigathi) April 22, 2023Did you read this?
During his four-day tour, the outspoken Gachagua is set to meet with Kenyans living in Botswana and attend the Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa and several bilateral meetings.
The DP and his better half, pastor Dorcas, also hosted members of the famous Kenyan band Sauti Sol, who performed at the Forbes Under 30 Africa Summit. He pledged to collaborate with the band to inspire younger generations.
Using a private plane for an international journey is significantly more expensive than using a commercial airline.
It requires paying for airspace, landing rights, airport space upon arrival, and fueling the chopper.
Gachagua allegedly took the trip with his staff and a few aides, including Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu.
Meanwhile, Kenya Airways, a far cheaper option, flies up to four return flights to the country each week.
The decision to utilize a military plane comes when President William Ruto and DP Gachagua publicly admitted that the country is in horrible financial health, blaming previous President Uhuru Kenyatta for mismanaging the economy.
Signs that the country's financial health was not in good shape emerged when public officials' wages for March 2023 were delayed, while health workers in several counties went on strike due to payment delays.
Counties have also been waiting three months for their allotment from the national government, with governors recently threatening to shut down services.
