President Ruto's Trip To The US

 President Ruto's recent trip to the United States has garnered much attention, especially due to the extravagant cost of his transportation. The trip, which is estimated to cost around 2 million Kenyan Shillings just for travel, is marked by the use of a private jet that costs over 2 million Shillings per hour. This has become the central point of discussion about the trip, overshadowing other important matters, including a cold reception from Kenyans living in the U.S. Traditionally, Kenyans abroad have shown strong patriotism, but this time, their response has been lukewarm.

Meanwhile, back home, political drama continues to unfold. The government is preparing to present the Finance Bill 2024, which has already sparked significant opposition, particularly from Deputy President Gachagua's allies. These politicians have vowed to fight against the proposed tax hikes and the reintroduction of taxes on previously exempt items. This political battle comes on the heels of a speech by the Nyanza Governor, who warned President Ruto directly about the growing tensions within his own party, especially in Mount Kenya.

There are clear signs of internal strife in the ruling UDA party. While most Kenyans have had difficulty believing in a rift between President Ruto and his Deputy, evidence of tension continues to surface. Allies of Gachagua, especially from the Mount Kenya region, have begun to openly oppose the President's policies. The situation in the region is boiling over, and even prominent figures like Moses Kuria are holding back, showing the depth of the crisis. The division within UDA seems inevitable, and it appears that the party may implode from within, further complicating the passing of the Finance Bill 2024.

As tensions rise, there is also talk of a potential tax boycott as a response to the government's policies. This could further destabilize the situation, making it increasingly difficult for the government to push through unpopular measures.

Returning to Ruto's U.S. trip, an intriguing aspect is the size of the entourage. Reports suggest that 236 people accompanied the President, necessitating the use of a large private jet. This extravagance has raised concerns about the disparity between government spending and tax revenue. On top of this, Kenyans living in the U.S. have expressed disappointment, especially those who voted for the UDA government, which reflects broader discontent with the administration.

In international news, the tragic chopper crash in Iran that claimed the life of President Raisi and several others has drawn attention, especially due to the eerie similarities between the Iranian tragedy and a similar incident involving General Gola in Kenya. This has raised questions about the true nature of these accidents, with some believing they may not have been accidental.