The office of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that a significant amount of public funds, totaling Sh18.1 million, was spent on curtains and furniture despite calls for austerity measures within the Kenya Kwanza administration led by Gachagua and President William Ruto.
According to a report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu for the financial year 22/23, the Deputy President’s office spent Sh10.3 million on curtains and Sh7.9 million on furniture. These purchases were made through requests for quotations, which effectively split the procurement process, contrary to established procurement procedures.
The extravagant spending by the Kenya Kwanza administration has raised concerns, especially at a time when Kenyans are grappling with a high cost of living. The report highlights the lack of adherence to procurement laws, as well as the failure to follow proper procedures in sourcing goods and services.
In one instance, the Deputy President’s office procured furniture worth Sh2.4 million from a single supplier through direct procurement, bypassing the open tender system. Additionally, discrepancies were noted in the documentation presented for audit, with conflicting dates observed from initiation to payment processes.
Auditor General Gathungu also pointed out that some payments to suppliers were made before the actual delivery of goods or services, indicating potential irregularities in the procurement process.
Furthermore, the Deputy President’s office was found to owe suppliers a total of Sh58.2 million during the 22/23 financial year, a significant amount that was carried over to the subsequent financial year.
