Ruto's Love Story With Ksh24.6 Million Lexus SUV [PHOTOS]

It would seem that no matter what happens, President William Ruto's attachment to the Lexus LX 570 car model just won't be broken.

For the past two days, the Head of State chose to use the Lexus for trips to Kiganjo, Nyeri county and Embakasi, Nairobi county for the police constables pass out parade and the Administration Police parade, at the expense of the armoured presidential Toyota Land Cruiser LC200 that was used often by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta.

If the images shared by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Administration Police Service (APS) are anything to go by, President Ruto ditched the LC200 for the Lexus for the first time since his swearing-in on September 13, 2022.

Security guards tending to the Lexus LX 570 car in Nyeri County on January 11, 2023. /DCI

He was so used to the Lexus during the campaign period and following his victory in the August 9, 2022, general elections but once he was sworn in, he was required to upgrade to a vehicle that had the prerequisite security measures to suit a Kenyan Head of State.

Uhuru in comparison went with different versions of the LC200 on various trips and nobody would think of spotting him in a Lexus SUV. When not in a Land Cruiser, he would be chauffeured in a presidential Mercedes Benz sedan or would take to his private G Wagon or Range Rover Vogue.

The Lexus that Ruto used, which went viral on Wednesday, January 11, bore memories of the viral KCU 192H car which he loved for his campaigns so much that he abandoned a 2022 Toyota Tundra 6x6 wheel truck branded with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party colours, worth Ksh100 million after it developed mechanical problems.

However, this car did not have a number plate, instead prominently featured a coat of arms which symbolises his status as the highest power in the country. The car also had two flags; Ruto's presidential standard and the Kenyan flag, flanking both its front sides.

Reason Why Ruto Prefers Lexus LX570 over LC200

The two cars are manufactured under two car brands, which are under the same company. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two.

The Lexus LX 570 is larger and more stylish and commands a presence compared to the LC200. It is also considered the more luxurious of the two, and offers a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its advanced suspension system, which helps to reduce road noise and vibrations.

Collage of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Mombasa in the presidential Land Cruiser LC200 and President William Ruto walking past the Lexus LX 570 car in Embakasi, Nairobi county on January 11, 2023. /FILE.ADMINISTRATION POLICE SERVICE

Lexus LX is a vehicle with a beautifully crafted cabin and standard luxurious features that makes it attractive in Kenya. It is perfectly ventilated, and its rear seats and the steering wheel are well heated to guarantee that comfy ride. 

Its comfort is enhanced by the power-adjustable climate control, sunroof, ability to conquer bumps, and a nine-speaker premium sound system. 

It also has some prestigious fitting leather upholstery and wood trims as part of its impeccably crafted interior that contains ambient lighting for a lit experience. 

Under the hood, it packs a powerful 5.7-litre (5,700cc) V8 engine and an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission which enables the car to move calmly while generating maximum power of 383 horsepower (hp) and a 403lb-ft (pounds per foot) of torque.

The SUV is also powerful enough to travel off-road comfortably and maintain its grip through the rough terrains, which would probably explain why Ruto preferred it during his campaigns to reach areas of the country that other SUVs would find challenging.

You can easily manoeuvre the 2,600-kilogramme car through the traffic jams thanks to its adaptive cruise control that allows you to maintain a safe distance. 

Other safety features include Forward collision mitigation, a Blind-spot monitor with a rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and a Surround-view camera system.

Because Lexus is Toyota's luxury car brand, it is targeted at a more affluent audience and is typically more expensive than the LC 200. The LX570, depending on the model, ranges between Ksh18.2 million for the 2015 model and Ksh24.6 million for the 2021 model.