Members of the National Assembly are probing an alleged misuse of about Ksh1.2 billion renovation budget by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's office for the refurbishment of his residence and offices.
The National Assembly Committee on Security, during a meeting with officials from the Office of the Deputy President, questioned how the multi-billion funds were used in the renovation of Gachagua’s Karen residence, Harambee Annexe Office, and Mombasa office.
The legislators raised concern over the amount used in the repair works, alleging that the Ksh1.2 billion allocation requested for the renovation works could have been more than the actual cost of the work.
According to a report submitted to the committee by the officials, Ksh400 million had so far been used in the repair of the Harambee Annexe Office, the Karen residence, and the Mombasa office.
During the meeting, officials informed the MPs that part of the funds disbursed for the repair of the Harambee Annexe was used to fix broken kitchens, build new washrooms, and plant flowers, expenditures which the committee termed as wasteful.
The report presented before the committee further showed that the refurbishment projects that are being undertaken within 5 years up to June 2027 were 45 per cent done at the Harambee Annexe.
Meanwhile, the revamp works at the Karen office was 22 per cent done while the Deputy President’s office in Mombasa was 21 per cent done.
The MPs questioned how the refurbishment at the Karen residence which is estimated to cost Ksh560 million was almost half done yet less than Ksh250 million had been used from the budget allocated in the 2023/2024 financial year.
"For instance, the refurbishment of the Karen residence is estimated to cost Ksh560 million, but you only got Ksh250 million for this financial year and you say the project is 45 per cent complete. Is that the correct status of the project?" asked Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo.
Despite having done 45 per cent of the work at the Harambee House, the lawmakers noted that quite a lot of work was yet to be done. Meanwhile, the MPs noted that the workers at former DP Gachagua's office who had been sacked would first undergo clearance.
The probe comes hardly a week after over 300 workers at the former deputy president's office were fired. According to reports, the workers reportedly received dismissal letters from the Human Resource Manager.
The dismissal of the 300 workers followed a month after about 108 workers at Gachagua's office were granted mandatory leave following the latter's impeachment by the Senate.
