The Office of the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained reports circulated by the media of millions requested for renovations and purchase of medals.
In a statement on Thursday, May 16, the Head of the Deputy Presidential Communication Service (DPCS) said that the office required renovations because it had been neglected over 15 years affecting critical areas of habitability, safety and security.
Therefore, the DPCS indicated that the Ksh300 million request was justified.
“A request for Ksh300 million for renovation of the Harambee House Annex Office, Official Residence in Karen and the Official Residence in Mombasa.
“The Harambee House Annex Office and Mombasa Residence have been neglected over 15 years affecting critical areas of habitability, safety and security,” read the statement in part.
Also Read: Gachagua’s Office Spent Ksh10M on Curtains – Auditor General
Gachagua Explains Millions Requested for Cars
Additionally, Gachagua’s office explained that the request for Ksh100 million for office motor vehicles was informed by the fact that the deputy president was relying on old, and refurbished vehicles which were costly to maintain.
Subsequently, the use of the old vehicles was compromising service delivery according to the Communication Service officer.
“For the last 10 years, the Office of The Deputy President has heavily relied on old, and refurbished vehicles which are costly to maintain, compromising service delivery.
“The misrepresentation of facts and figures negates objectivity. The facts are captured in the Hansard, which is a public document,” the statement read in part.
Also Read: Gachagua Office Auctions Cars and Building Materials
MPs Question allocation of Billions to Gachagua’s Office
Members of the National Assembly had earlier raised questions over the proposed allocation of Ksh2.6 billion to the Office of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the next financial year.
Also, the office requested for Ksh800 million for the DP’s confidential expenditure, Ksh250 million for the fight against drug abuse and Ksh250 million for the purchase of medals and insignias.
Additionally, the deputy principal wanted Ksh660 million for the refurbishment of his Karen official home.
Further, the ODP requested an allocation of Ksh87 million for the purchase of ICT networking and communication equipment, Ksh2.1 million for laundry expenses, Ksh5 million for counselling services, Ksh56 million for travel allowances, Ks91 million for accommodation, Ksh17 million entertainment allowance, Ksh520,000 gas expenses and Ksh10 million for internet connectivity.
Other allocations requested included Ksh2.5 million for the purchase of household appliances, Ksh37.5 million for the purchase of office furniture and fittings and Ksh2 million for the purchase of educational aids and related equipment.
According to Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, the chairman of the committee, the office was old but not too old.
“I know that there are some issues. I have been there, and the lifts are not working, but the building is not that old,” Tongoyo said.
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