Gachagua defends budget request to renovate homes, office, and buy new cars

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the 23rd Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) at his Karen home. [DPCS]

The office of the Deputy President has defended the Sh1.12 billion budget request to renovate his office, his official Karen and Mombasa residences and buy new official cars.

In a statement seen by The Standard dated Thursday, May 16, the DP's office now says it requires about Sh400 million for renovation, citing neglect of office space and old cars.

Gachagua's office has instead requested Sh300m, which will cater for the renovation of his official Karen and Mombasa residences, and also remodel the Harambee House Annex office in Nairobi.

"The Harambee House Annex office and Mombasa residence have been neglected over 15 years affecting critical areas of habitability, safety and security," his communication team said.

Further, the DP's office has requested Sh100 million be allocated towards acquiring official cars, saying the current ones are old and refurbished, and costly to maintain.

According to documents tabled before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, DP Gachagua's office had proposed Sh660 million be used to renovate his official residence while Sh460.4m spent to renovate the city centre office.

Earlier, The Standard reported that the DP plans to spend an additional Sh200m to buy new vehicles, Sh250 million for the implementation of an alcohol, drugs and substance abuse program and Sh250 million for the purchase of medals, honours and insignia.

In 2023, it was also reported that the DP's office would together with that of President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi receive a grand total of Sh802 million to buy new official cars for the Financial Year 2023/24.