Morara Kebaso, a prominent lawyer and activist, has alleged that President William Ruto has acquired six Boeing airplanes.
The activist claimed that Ruto purportedly bought the aeroplanes to establish a new airline competing with Kenya Airways.
“Just the other day Ruto bought 6 new airplanes. Do you know how much a Boeing 747 costs? How can someone buy 6 airplanes valued at Ksh 14 billion… How much money does he have? Someone who gave me this information he himself is a billionaire living abroad and he’s privy to that information,” he said.
Kebaso claims these aircraft are insured by the London-based Lloyd’s Group, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest in government dealings.
“There is an insurance company in London called Lloyd’s of London that has been paid to ensure those planes. He wanted to establish an airline but he was advised that cargo has more profitability, however, he insisted that he wanted to deal with passengers,” the activist added.
Kebaso’s assertions come amid ongoing scrutiny of government spending, particularly as the Kenya Airport Authority faces criticism over a controversial takeover by the Adani Group.
Boeing 747
The Boeing 747 is a long-range, wide-body airliner that revolutionized commercial air travel.
Developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, it made its first flight on February 9, 1969, and entered service with Pan Am on January 22, 1970.
The aircraft’s design was groundbreaking at the time, featuring a distinctive hump-shaped upper deck and four engines, which allowed it to carry between 400 to 660 passengers depending on the variant.
Its wings are swept back at a 37.5° angle, enabling a cruising speed of approximately Mach 0.85.
The Boeing 747 was designed for versatility, easily convertible between passenger and cargo configurations due to its raised cockpit and front cargo door.
Over its production run from 1968 to 2023, several variants of the 747 were developed, including the 747-100, -200, -300, -400, and the final -8 model.
Each iteration improved upon range and efficiency; for instance, the 747-400 introduced advanced engines and a two-crew glass cockpit that replaced the traditional flight deck.
The last variant, the 747-8, could fly up to 8,000 nautical miles and featured modernized systems for better fuel economy and performance.
This evolution not only kept the aircraft relevant but also showcased Boeing’s commitment to innovation in aviation technology.
The introduction of the Boeing 747 marked a significant shift in air travel dynamics.
It allowed airlines to transport large numbers of passengers over long distances economically.
By the early 1990s, over 1,000 units had been produced, solidifying its status as a staple in international aviation.
Despite newer aircraft models emerging with better fuel efficiency and advanced technology, the 747 remains popular for both passenger and cargo operations due to its unique capabilities.
