Gachagua’s High-Flying Message: Commercial Flight to Mombasa Amid Ruto’s Lavish 200 Million Shillings Private Jet Debacle Explained Like A 10-Year-Old

"When they go low, we go high," Michelle Obama famously reminded us. And in a twist that only Kenyan politics could deliver, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has opted for a commercial flight to Mombasa. Yes, you heard that right—a commercial flight. Pulling his own luggage and paying for his own flight. No personal assistant. No security.

This comes hot on the heels of President William Ruto's much-talked-about, eyebrow-raising $1.5 million (KSh 200 million) business jet lease for his state visit to the United States.

While Ruto was enjoying the plush interiors of a Boeing Business Jet, Gachagua was presumably contending with the usual airport chaos and perhaps even a misplaced boarding pass. But what's the real message behind Gachagua's budget-friendly travel choice?

The Humble Hustler Act
It seems our Deputy President is doubling down on the “hustler” narrative that swept Kenya Kwanza into power. By flying commercial, Gachagua is trying to send a clear message: "I'm one of you." This down-to-earth move is supposed to resonate with the everyday Kenyan who faces the trials and tribulations of commercial air travel, from the long queues at security to the battle for overhead bin space. The gesture is even more poignant, given his current political troubles and hard fall from favour and power.

Imagine the scene: Gachagua, in his perfectly pressed suit, navigating through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, perhaps stopping for a quick chat with fellow travelers or grabbing a cup of java from a kiosk. Meanwhile, President Ruto is being served gourmet meals at 40,000 feet, pondering the complex geopolitics of his trip or simply enjoying a nap in his lie-flat seat.

A Not-So-Subtle Contradiction
This juxtaposition couldn’t be more stark. On one hand, you have a president splurging on a private jet while Kenyans grapple with soaring taxes and economic hardship. On the other hand, you have a deputy president who appears to be embodying the very essence of frugality and simplicity. But is it genuine or just a political stunt?

One can't help but question the authenticity of Gachagua's gesture. Is this truly about solidarity with the common man, or is it a calculated move to distance himself from the criticism that’s been heaped on Ruto for his extravagant spending? Or perhaps he's trying to play Ruto's narrative against him, to make political capital as he cascades headlong into political abyss and irrelevance?

The Irony of It All

The irony here is almost too rich. While Gachagua’s commercial flight might win him some brownie points with the electorate, it inadvertently highlights the excesses of his boss.

It’s as if the Deputy President is saying, “Look at me, I'm saving money while the President spends it like someone is just about to issue new generation banknotes.” This could be seen as a subtle but sharp critique of Ruto's priorities and spending habits. It is the likeliest explanation of Gachagua's inexplicable divergence from character, particularly now that he is eyeballs deep in the fight of his life for his political career.

The Real Message
At the heart of this grand gesture, Gachagua seems to be making a statement about leadership and public service. By choosing a commercial flight, he's drawing a line between what he sees as necessary public expenditure and lavish, unnecessary spending. It's a move designed to curry favour with the masses and perhaps even position himself as a more fiscally responsible leader. Mind, also, that he had a mishap with his official government air transportation over the weekend, and just this week, Malawi Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima expired in a government-provided aircraft. This is Africa, after all. Just ask Jacob Juma.

A Tale of Two Leaders
In the end, this tale of two leaders—one flying high in luxury, the other mingling with the masses—paints a vivid picture of the current state of Kenyan politics.

It underscores the contrasts in leadership style and priorities within the same administration. For Ruto, it's about making a grand international impression, regardless of the cost. For Gachagua, it’s about playing the long game, cultivating an image of humility and fiscal prudence.

As Kenyans watch this high-flying drama unfold, one thing is clear: political theatre in Kenya is alive and well. Whether Gachagua’s commercial flight will resonate with voters or be dismissed as a mere publicity stunt remains to be seen. But for now, it has provided a moment of levity—and perhaps reflection—amid the turbulent Kenya Kwisha regime.