Members of the National Assembly have launched a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misuse of approximately Ksh1.2 billion allocated for renovating offices and residences associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The National Assembly Committee on Security convened a critical meeting with officials from the Office of the Deputy President to dissect the financial expenditures and question the extensive renovation projects.
Controversial Expenditures
According to the official report submitted to the committee, Ksh400 million has already been expended on repair works across three key locations: the Harambee Annexe Office, Gachagua’s Karen residence, and the Mombasa office.
Legislators expressed significant concern over the scale of spending, suggesting that the allocated funds might far exceed the actual cost of renovation works.
During the intense questioning, officials revealed some eyebrow-raising details about the fund utilization. Committee members were particularly critical of expenditures that included:
– Fixing broken kitchens
– Constructing new washrooms
– Planting flowers
Director planning in the office of the DP Anne Mwangi , who had appeared before the committee, sought to set the record straight. She submitted that,
“We also need to replace our corridors; tiles need to be changed because they have already started cracking. We also have renovation of the Kitchenette, seven of them. There is also the remodeling of basement areas, repainting and lighting of the whole building, and a repair and replacement of water pumps for the fountain”
The committee explicitly termed some of these expenses as “wasteful”, highlighting potential financial impropriety.
Project Completion Rates Raise Questions
The renovation projects, planned to span five years until June 2027, currently show varying stages of completion:
– Harambee Annexe Office: 45% complete
– Karen Office: 22% complete
– Mombasa Office: 21% complete
Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo directly challenged the project’s financial narrative, pointedly asking,
“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?”
Staff Shake-up Accompanies Investigation
The probe arrives in the wake of a significant staff restructuring at Gachagua’s former office. Over 300 workers recently received dismissal letters from the Human Resource Manager, following an earlier mandated leave for 108 workers after Gachagua’s Senate impeachment.
Over 300 Workers Who Used to Work in DP Gachagua's Office Now Dismissed Over a Text Message after Being Sent on Compulsory Leave.
— Alinur Mohamed (@AlinurMohamed_) November 20, 2024
The committee has indicated that workers who were dismissed will be required to undergo a clearance process before any potential reinstatement or further action.
The investigation continues to unfold, promising more revelations about the controversial renovation budget and its utilization.
