Deputy President William Ruto is Kenya's second most guarded VIP, with his boss and Jubilee Party leader President Uhuru Kenyatta the only state officials accorded a security detail to rival his own.
During state functions, DP Ruto's motorcade comes complete with police outriders and at least 10 cars ferrying various high-level personnel.
The Presidential Escort Unit serves the deputy president as well in accordance with Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011, which details protection of His Excellency the President, the First Family retired Presidents, His Excellency the DP visiting Heads of States as well as any VIPs as directed by the Inspector General of Police.
DP Ruto has been spotted in several top-of-the-range vehicles that belong in the luxury category if the price and features of the said vehicles are anything to go by.
Discover the deputy president's favourite mode of transportation in detail below:
Mercedes Benz S500
This sleek beast is one of Germany's most celebrated pieces of engineering, with DP Ruto's coming with some extra security features that remain top secret.
Historically, the engineering of the S-Class is said to have been designed without regard to cost. The company was thus able to exploit this as a marketing tool, culminating in its onetime slogan, "engineered like no other car in the world."
This long-wheelbase luxury saloon impresses with its exceptional dynamism and efficiency.
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The price range for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at Ksh20,270,000 and going to Ksh23,930,000 for the latest year the model was manufactured.
DP Ruto usually uses the S500 during state functions such as Mashujaa Day celebrations. It was the vehicle he used when he attended the presidential inauguration function at the Kasarani Stadium following his party's 2017 general election victory.
Toyota Lexus LX570
DP Ruto has been spotted in several models of this intimidating off-roader that hails from the Toyota factory in Japan.
It could be argued that this is his favourite car, and the reason behind it could be quite simple, it is a car that can be defined as luxury on wheels.
The DP's physically imposing Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) comes with a dramatic front grille that looks ready to inhale anything on its path.
Underneath its hood, are the rugged underpinnings of the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser. As a result, this large SUV offers a rare combination of size, comfort and off-road ability.
This Lexus has a price that ranges from Ksh8,638,000 to Ksh9,138,000 in the international market. Powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine (383 horsepower and 403 pound-foot of torque), the car comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system.
Add the undisclosed security features and you get a rough estimate of just how much was spent on the beast.
Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series
Popularly referred to as the Toyota V8, DP Ruto has used this vehicle on countless tours across the country.
Weighing an estimated 2.7 tonnes the gigantic car boasts of an enviable off-road capability thanks to its 4.5-litre V8 engine.
Costing an estimated Ksh14 million for the 2018/2019 and 2020 models, DP Ruto has been spotted not only comfortably cruising on the back-left section reserved for high profile individuals, but behind the wheel and driving on his own as well.
The DP has been seen to borrow a leaf from his Jubilee Party leader - President Uhuru, who has also been spotted several times driving himself around, opting to ditch the detailed protocols employed when it comes to transporting the two.
DP Ruto leaves his Karen Office for Statehouse to commemorate Kenya's 57th #MadarakaDay. pic.twitter.com/rmXKSj9rN5
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) June 1, 2020
Helicopter - Airbus H145
When in a hurry, DP Ruto has the enviable option of hopping on his chopper and simply flying to wherever he is needed.
Of all the helicopters he has been seen with, his preferred one seems to be the H145 chopper, registration number 5Y DSC, which he has travelled into a number of places, including Baringo, Teso and Kisii.
According to Aerospace Technology, a website that deals with helicopters, the H145 helicopter is a twin-engine multipurpose aircraft manufactured by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters).
The website reported that the cost of a used Airbus H145 is Ksh730 million. A new would set you back Ksh1 billion, coupled with an average maintenance cost of Ksh52 million per year.
According to Aerospace Technology, a website that deals with helicopters, the H145 helicopter is a twin-engine multipurpose aircraft manufactured by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters).
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The website reported that the cost of a used Airbus H145 is Ksh 730 million. A new would set you back Ksh1 billion, coupled with an average maintenance cost of Ksh52 million per year.
On top of the heavily armoured vehicles, the deputy president also moves around with highly trained personnel that are never located more than 3 feet away from him when he is moving around.
In November 2019, some of the aforementioned security detail caused quite a stir on social media platforms when they were spotted alongside DP Ruto during his visit to Kibra in his bid to woo the locals to vote for his preferred candidate - McDonald Mariga, during the hotly contested by-elections.
