The Office of the Deputy President was put to task on Thursday over its expenditure on helicopter rides, as the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee questioned pending bills amounting to Ksh.478 million owed to suppliers and service providers for the financial year 2024/25.
Lawmakers raised queries over an expenditure of up to Ksh.8 million a day on helicopters, with the office owing Ksh.150 million for chopper services.
An inquiry into the pending bills revealed that a significant portion of the debt was incurred through helicopter use by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Members of the Public Accounts Committee questioned whether taxpayers were getting value for money.
“There is an entry here for chopper use from Tharaka, Laikipia, Isiolo, Tharaka, Kitui… for Ksh.8 million a day… is it reasonable?” Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo asked.
Lawmakers also sought clarification on how many of the trips were to the Deputy President’s home county of Tharaka Nithi County.
“Kipipiri, Tharaka, Tharaka, Tharaka… can the Deputy President work in one village?” Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo posed.
Committee chairperson Tindi Mwale defended the Deputy President’s right to travel, even as concerns were raised over the use of public resources.
“The DP has a right to go home… yes, he is the Deputy President,” Mwale stated.
However, lawmakers maintained pressure on the expenditure.
“I had asked whether it is practicable to spend Ksh.8 million in one day… that at least you can answer,” Otiende said.
The Deputy President’s Principal Administrative Secretary, Moses Mbaruku, was also questioned over spending on hospitality, including catering services, fresh flowers, and foodstuffs.
