Kuria Kimani, the Member of Parliament for Molo Constituency and chair of the National Assembly Finance Committee, has defended Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Ksh.1.2 billion budget request for renovations, despite growing public concern about spending and calls for austerity measures.
During an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday evening, Kimani emphasized the importance of adequately funding the constitutional office of the Deputy President so that it can carry out its mandate.
He stated, “The renovations are critical because the office of the Deputy President is a constitutional entity that needs proper facilitation to carry out its duties.”
Kimani explained that because the budget estimates are still in the proposal stage, it will be the responsibility of Members of Parliament to prioritise allocations during the actual budgetary process. He expressed confidence that Parliament would prioritise Kenyans’ concerns.
Kuria Kimani: The renovations are important because the office of the DP is a constitutional office and that office needs to be properly facilitated to carry on their mandate. I am very optimistic that Parliament will rise to the occasion and prioritize what is really important… pic.twitter.com/DIFl5nUho9
In a statement on Thursday, the head of Deputy Presidential Communication Service Njeri Rugene accused the media of misrepresenting the budgetary proposals.
She said Gachagua’s office seeks Ksh.300 million to renovate the Harambee House Annex office, the official residence in Karen and his official Mombasa residence.
“The Harambee House Annex Office and Mombasa Residence have been neglected over 15 years, affecting critical areas of habitability, safety and security,” reads the statement.
On the purchase of vehicles, Gachagua’s office said it has requested Ksh.100 million.
“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 statement further adds.
The Deputy President’s Office representative, who appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security, explained that alcohol and substance abuse had become a national security threat, prompting the involvement of various other offices including that of the Spouse of the Deputy President, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi.
“The fight against alcohol and drug abuse has taken on a life of its own, it has a strong relationship between reduction and control of alcoholism,” Patrick Mwangi told the committee.
