Members of Parliament are scrutinizing the use of public funds during the tenure of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, raising concerns over costly renovations and questionable budget allocations. The National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security has flagged significant expenditures for upgrades to the Harambee Annex office, the Karen residence, and the Mombasa office, highlighting inconsistencies in expenditure and slow project progress.
The Harambee Annex office, constructed at an initial cost of Ksh 600 million, now requires an additional Ksh 560 million for renovations. Despite the substantial budget, only 22% of the refurbishment work was completed as of June 2024, leading MPs to question the slow progress and whether the project could meet its projected 2027 completion deadline.
At the Karen residence, Ksh 249 million has already been spent from a total budget of Ksh 560 million. The upgrades include expansions to boardrooms, improvements to seven kitchenettes, repainting, relighting, and the installation of a new CCTV system. However, only 45% of the renovations were completed within the same timeframe, prompting lawmakers to scrutinize the efficiency of the spending.
In Mombasa, Ksh 49 million has been spent on office renovations, with only 21% of the work completed. MPs questioned the proportionality of the funds used compared to the progress made and raised doubts about the feasibility of finishing the work within the projected timelines.
The allocation of Ksh 771.7 million to the Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President, led by Dorcas Rigathi, has also come under scrutiny. Legislators have demanded a detailed explanation of how the funds were utilized, expressing concerns about whether the allocation met the threshold for prudent use of public resources given the limited functions of the office.
Additionally, Ksh 5 million reportedly generated from the disposal of obsolete stores has raised eyebrows, as MPs allege the transaction lacked proper documentation and Treasury approval. The amount was not reflected in funds received from the exchequer, suggesting possible misrepresentation of financial transactions.
The committee has called for a thorough audit to account for the spending and ensure taxpayers’ money was used appropriately. Lawmakers warned that unchecked government expenditures could erode public trust and set a worrying precedent for future administrations.
Civil society groups have joined the call for a forensic audit, urging transparency to determine whether any misuse of resources occurred during this period. The investigation’s findings could have far-reaching implications for accountability in public office.